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. 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. | 
