zephyros

Zephyros is a figure from Greek mythology, most commonly known as the god of the west wind. He is one of the Anemoi, the winged wind gods who were sons of Astraeus and Eos. Zephyros is often depicted as a gentle and mild-mannered deity, associated with the arrival of spring and the bringing of warmth. His breath was said to cause flowers to bloom and vegetation to grow.

Unlike some of his more tempestuous siblings, such as Boreas the north wind, Zephyros's presence was generally welcomed. He was particularly associated with the island of Khios and was sometimes invoked to aid sailors by providing favorable breezes. In some myths, Zephyros is also known for his romantic pursuits. The most famous of these is his love for the nymph Chloris, whom he abducted and later married. After their union, he bestowed upon her the power to make flowers bloom, transforming her into Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and springtime. Zephyros's influence is felt in art and literature, where he often symbolizes the soft, life-giving winds of spring and the gentle passage of time.