Zephyrus (mythology)

Zephyrus, or sometimes just Zephyr (Ζέφυρος, Zéphyros, "the west wind"), in Latin Favonius, is the Greek god of the west wind and one of the four Anemoi along with Boreas the north wind , Notus the south wind, Eurus the east wind. The gentlest of the winds, Zephyrus is known as the fructifying wind, the messenger of spring. It was thought that Zephyrus lived in a cave in Thrace.

Zephyrus and Hyacinth

Hyacinthus and Zephyrus on a red-figure vase

One of the surviving myths in which Zephyrus features most prominently is that of Hyacinth. Hyacinth was a very handsome and athletic Spartan prince. Zephyrus fell in love with him and courted him, and so did Apollo. The two competed for the boy's love, but he chose Apollo, driving Zephyrus mad with jealousy. Later, catching Apollo and Hyacinth throwing a discus, Zephyrus blew a gust of wind at them, striking the boy in the head with the falling discus. When Hyacinth died, Apollo created the hyacinth flower from his blood. Apollo was furious, but Eros protected Zephyrus, as the act was committed in the name of love, on the condition that the wind god served Eros forever.

In the story of Cupid and Psyche, Zephyrus served Eros (or Cupid) by transporting Psyche to his abode.

See also

• Hyacinth (mythology)
• Ganymede (mythology)
• Ancient Greece

External links

• ZEPHYRUS : Greek god of the west wind ; mythology
• Zephyrus in Greek Mythology