Notus: The Fiery South Wind of Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Notus (or Notos) was the god of the south wind, one of the four Anemoi (wind deities) who each represented a cardinal direction. As the bringer of the scorching winds of late summer and autumn, Notus was both feared and respected for his power to parch the land with heat or unleash devastating storms.
Powers and Influence
Notus was closely associated with the dry, oppressive heat of the Mediterranean summer. His winds were said to carry the scorching breath of the Sahara, withering crops and causing drought. Unlike his gentler siblings, such as Zephyrus (the west wind), Notus was often depicted as a destructive force. However, his rains—though sometimes violent—were also vital for nourishing the earth after the dry season.
Ancient Greeks believed that Notus' arrival marked the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. His storms could bring torrential downpours, making him a contradictory figure—both a bringer of destruction and a necessary force for renewal.
Mythology and Relationships
Notus was the son of Astraeus, the Titan god of dusk, and Eos, the goddess of dawn. His siblings included the other Anemoi: Boreas (north wind), Zephyrus (west wind), and Eurus (east wind). Together, they were often depicted as winged gods or horses released from the stables of Aeolus, the keeper of the winds.
Though Notus rarely played a central role in myths, he was sometimes invoked in poetry and literature as a symbol of seasonal change. The poet Hesiod warned sailors of Notus' dangerous gales, while Virgil described his storms in The Aeneid as capable of sinking ships.
Symbolism and Worship
Notus was often represented as a bearded man carrying an inverted vase, symbolizing the pouring rain, or surrounded by storm clouds. Unlike major Olympian gods, he did not have widespread cults or temples, but farmers and sailors paid him respect through prayers and offerings, hoping to appease his wrath.
In art, Notus was sometimes shown with a fierce expression, emphasizing his tempestuous nature. His presence in mythology served as a reminder of nature’s dual power—to both nurture and destroy—making him an enduring symbol of the Mediterranean’s volatile climate.
Alternative Names for Notus
God Name: Auster (Roman)
Auster is the Roman equivalent of the Greek god Notus. Both deities represent the south wind, associated with the hot, dry winds of late summer and autumn. Auster was often depicted bringing fog and rain, similar to Notus's role in Greek mythology.
God Name: Notos (Greek)
Notos is an alternative Greek spelling for Notus. It refers to the same deity, the personification of the south wind in Greek mythology. The name variation reflects different transliterations or regional dialects in ancient Greece.
Tales about Notus
The South Wind's Healing Touch
During a scorching summer when pestilence swept across the lands, Notus blew his warm, humid winds over afflicted villages. The heat intensified, and mortals suffered until Aceso, goddess of healing, descended. She saw how Notus’ winds, though oppressive, carried the potential to purify. Together, they devised a plan: Aceso infused Notus’ gusts with healing herbs and soothing energies, while he spread this medicated air across the sick. The combination of warmth and divine remedy accelerated recovery, and the plague receded. From then on, Notus and Aceso were revered as partners in cleansing and renewal.
Colors of Collaboration
Notus’ winds, depicted in earthy browns, blended with Aceso’s golden light of healing, creating a harmonious, life-restoring force across the ancient world.
The Stormy Alliance with Eurus
When the sea grew restless and ships were tossed mercilessly, Notus joined forces with his brother, Eurus, the east wind. Eurus’ unpredictable gales clashed with Notus’ steady southern breath, creating tempests that threatened coastal villages. Realizing their combined power was too destructive, they sought counsel from Poseidon, who taught them balance. Notus learned to temper his warmth with Eurus’ brisk energy, and together they guided sailors with milder, cooperative winds. This alliance turned peril into passage, making them honored patrons of mariners.
Elements in Harmony
Notus’ amber hues met Eurus’ silver streaks in the sky, symbolizing the fusion of warmth and agility that brought safer voyages and calmer seas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Notus in Greek mythology?
Notus is the Greek god of the south wind, one of the Anemoi (wind gods). He is associated with the hot, dry winds of late summer and autumn, often bringing storms.
Why is Notus important in Greek mythology?
Notus represents the destructive yet necessary force of nature. His winds could damage crops, but they also signaled seasonal changes vital to ancient Greek agriculture and navigation.
How does Notus compare to other Greek wind gods?
Notus (south wind) is one of four principal wind gods along with Boreas (north), Zephyrus (west), and Eurus (east). Each governed winds from different directions with distinct characteristics.
What can we learn from the myth of Notus today?
Notus reminds us of humanity's historical relationship with nature - both its destructive power and essential role in seasonal cycles that sustain life.
Are there any modern references to Notus?
While not as well-known as major Olympians, Notus appears in some modern fantasy works and video games that draw from Greek mythology, often representing storm or desert winds.
