An important figure in the panorama of Greek mythology is Borias also called Boreas known as the God of the North Wind. A figure shrouded in charm and mystery, he is represented as a very powerful God, with an imposing and extremely proud appearance, capable of influencing the climate and seasons with a simple icy and overwhelming breath. Wild and fickle but also with a protective personality for those who recognize his immense power.
Boreas of the lineage of the Winds was a divine being, son of Eos the Goddess of the dawn and Astraeus the God of the stars. He had three other brothers, other cardinal winds, Notos the south wind, Eurus the east wind and Zephyr the west wind.
Of all of them, Borias was the most powerful and the coldest, so much so that he represented the arrival of the winter season and the icy and dangerous storms. His residence was in Thrace, which according to Greek legends was a truly inhospitable and cold land, but perfect to host Borias as it perfectly reflected the character of the God
When you see the representations of Boreas, he is always depicted as a vigorous man with a thick beard and hair disheveled by the winds. A robust God with powerful wings that when they opened generated epochal storms and abundant snowfalls. In some images he also has a shell in his hand on which he blows, symbolizing his dominion over the restless seas. A mighty and untamed figure that represents wild and unpredictable nature.
Despite his image as a powerful and impetuous God, Borias also, according to the stories, had a heart. Crazy in love with Orithyia, daughter of the King of Athens Erechtheus, who with her delicacy and ethereal beauty shocked his mind, in the face of her continuous refusals, one day he decided to kidnap her. He then flew to Athens and with a vigorous breath lifted the girl and took her to his home in Thrace.
From their union they generated two children Calais and Zete known as the Boreads very similar to their father for their strength and speed. They too with immense wings, participated together with the Argonauts in the enterprise against the Harpies, hideous creatures that devastated the ancient world.
Another myth that represents the passionate and tyrannical side of the Greek Gods, whose divine will prevailed even over human feelings.
Despite his indomitable nature, Boreas was revered by the Athenians as a protector. During the Persian Wars, at the Battle of Artemisium, the Athenians credited Boreas with destroying much of the Persian fleet. It is said that a strong wind from the north sank many of the enemy ships, sweeping them away and granting a major victory to the Greeks. From that time on, Boreas was honored as an ally of the city of Athens, with temples and sacrifices dedicated to him to ensure his benevolence.
The Greeks believed that invoking the god of the winds could help divert storms and avert natural disasters. Ancient sailors, in particular, had a bond of fear and respect for Boreas, praying that he would mitigate his fury and ensure their safe navigation. The inhabitants of the coastal cities, exposed to his sudden and powerful gusts, participated in the rituals dedicated to Boreas, especially at the beginning of winter, when the God made himself felt most strongly especially in the northern regions of Greece.
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