Zephyrus

Zephyrus and Chloris

In Greek mythology, Zephyrus was described as one of the Anemoi, the winged-god of west wind. The gentlest of the winds, Zephyrus is known as the fructifying wind, the messenger of spring. Zephyrus was the son of Astraeus , the god of stars and planets and Eos, the goddess of dawn.

Zephyrus kidnapping Chloris

                                In some versions, Zephyrus was described as the husband of Iris, the goddess of the rainbow. A nymph, Chloris associated with spring, flowers and new growth, who dwelt in the Elysian Fields was abducted by (and later married) Zephyrus.With Chloris, he fathered Carpus. Zephyrus had sexual relation with  Podarge, one of the Harpies, and became father of Balius and Xanthus, the horses of Achilles.

Zephyus and nymph

                                      Zephyrus fell in love with Hyacinth, - a very handsome and athletic Spartan prince - 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.

Zephyrus, Apollo and Hyacinth

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.

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