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Explore mythology and art with information about the classic stories of heroes and gods...from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, to the legends of the Celts. Mythography presents resources and reference materials about mythology - including recommended books, and lexicons that explain Greek, Roman, and Celtic terms.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

Aphrodite in Art
Aphrodite in Myth
Art Themes

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Zephyrus at a Glance

name | Zephyrus (ZefuroV)

role | god of the west wind

Zephyrus in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Zephyrus was the god of the West Wind. His parents were the goddess of Dawn (Eos) and a Titan (Astraeus). According to the poet Hesiod, there were three wind gods. In addition to Zephyrus (the West Wind), the two other gods of the winds were named Boreas (the North Wind) and Notus (the South Wind).

Zephyrus is usually depicted as a gentle, benevolent force in myth and literature. Indeed, he is often contrasted with his more violent brother, Boreas. But Zephyrus was not always so kind. One tale in particular reveals the darker side of Zephyrus's nature, and it involves a young man named Hyacinthus.

The god of the West Wind also played a role in mythology as the father of the immortal horses Xanthus and Balius. This magnificent pair of horses belonged to the Greek hero Achilles. The legend of their birth follows: in one version of the story, the Harpy Podarge was grazing in a meadow in the guise of a horse. Zephyrus, also in the form of a horse, mated with the lovely mare and their offspring were born in this equine shape. It is interesting to note that the wind gods were sometimes represented as horses - perhaps because in part of the legendary speed attributed to these beautiful creatures.

Zephyrus also appears in one of the masterpieces of Western art - Sandro Botticelli's Primavera. Learn more about the god of the North Wind's role in this painting, and his other contributions to art history, in the Mythography gallery (link below).

Zephyrus in Art History
Gallery | For pictures and information about Zephyrus in art, visit the Mythography gallery!

Who's Who in Classical Mythology This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters from Classical myth and legend.	Bulfinch's Mythology The stories of Classical myth come to life in Bulfinch's book. This edition also features legends from other cultures.	Mythography Forums Do you have a specific question about Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology? Then try the Mythography forum!