In Greek mythology, Notus was the god of the south wind, and was often associated with the hot and dry winds that blew across the Mediterranean region. While he was not one of the major Olympian deities, he played an important role in the natural world and was revered by many ancient Greeks.
Notus is one of the four Anemoi, or wind gods, each representing a cardinal direction and its respective wind. As the god of the South Wind, Notus is associated with the warm, sultry breezes that herald the arrival of summer and bring relief during the scorching heat of the Mediterranean regions.
His presence is felt particularly during the summer months, when his winds provide respite from the intense rays of Helios, the sun god.
The Story of Notus
Notus is often portrayed as a figure of great vigor and dynamism. His character reflects the dual nature of the southern wind—he can be gentle and nurturing, bringing beneficial rains and facilitating smooth sailing for seafarers, yet he also possesses the potential for destruction, stirring up storms and tempests when angered or provoked. Sailors and farmers alike would offer prayers and sacrifices to Notus, seeking his favor for safe travels and bountiful harvests.
Notus is depicted in various forms, ranging from a youthful and vigorous deity with billowing robes to a more mature figure adorned with symbols of his dominion over the winds. In ancient art and literature, he is often associated with birds such as cranes, which are believed to migrate with the changing winds that Notus governs.
Notus’s influence extends beyond mere weather patterns; he is also considered a divine patron of agriculture and fertility. Farmers would invoke his name during planting seasons, believing that his gentle breezes would ensure the growth of crops and the flourishing of orchards. Likewise, his association with the sea made him a guardian of sailors and fishermen, who depended on favorable winds for successful voyages and abundant catches.
According to mythology, Notus was the son of Eos, the goddess of the dawn, and Astraeus, the god of the stars. He had several siblings, including the winds Boreas, Zephyrus, and Eurus. While there is little information about Notus’s personal life or any children he may have had, his role as the god of the south wind was an important one.
While the exact location of Notus’s abode remains debatable, some myths place him in Aethiopia, the land associated with the scorching sun in Greek geography. This association hints at Notus’s dual nature. He could be the scorching, desiccating wind that arrives after the peak of summer, a harbinger of the withering heat that threatened crops.
In mythology, Notus was often associated with the hot and dry winds that blew across the Mediterranean region, particularly during the summer months. These winds, which were often referred to as “sirocco” or “khamsin,” were known for their ability to bring heat, drought, and even sandstorms to the regions they passed through.
Despite the potentially destructive nature of the south wind, Notus was still viewed as an important and necessary force in the natural world. As the god of the south wind, he was seen as a symbol of power, energy, and vitality, and was often associated with the rising sun and the beginning of a new day.
In addition to his role as the god of the south wind, Notus was also sometimes associated with the sea and the storms that often swept across it. In this context, he was viewed as a powerful and unpredictable force of nature, capable of bringing both good fortune and destruction to those who encountered him.
10 Myths and Facts About Notus in Greek Mythology
- The Feud with Boreas: A popular myth paints Notus as a rival to Boreas, the god of the north wind. This rivalry supposedly stemmed from their contrasting natures – Notus, the hot and humid wind, clashing with Boreas, the cold and dry wind. This friction manifested in violent storms when their winds met in the sky.
- Notus and Phaethon: One tale associates Notus with the reckless Phaethon, who attempted to drive the sun chariot. As Phaethon lost control, scorching the earth, Notus was said to have intervened, blowing cool winds in a desperate attempt to mitigate the damage.
- The Abduction of Persephone: A lesser-known myth whispers of Notus playing a role in the abduction of Persephone by Hades. Some versions suggest Notus, enamored with Persephone’s beauty, carried her fragrant scent to the underworld, alerting Hades to her presence.
- The Keeper of the Underworld Gate: Another obscure myth portrays Notus as the guardian of the southern gate of the underworld. This role, however, is not widely attested and might be a localized interpretation.
- The Oracle of Dodona: Legend tells of an oracle dedicated to Zeus at Dodona, where the rustling of oak leaves was interpreted as divine pronouncements. Some myths claim Notus played a part, carrying the messages of the rustling leaves to the priests for interpretation.
- The Anemoi Family: Notus belonged to the Anemoi, a group of wind gods each associated with a cardinal direction. Aeolus, the keeper of the winds, was considered their ruler.
- Symbolism Beyond Storms: Despite his association with tempests, Notus also symbolized change and transition. The south wind marked the arrival of autumn, a period of harvest and preparation for winter.
- Offerings and Festivals: While not as prominent as some gods, Notus received offerings during specific agricultural festivals. Farmers, particularly those reliant on autumn rains, might leave sacrifices to appease the south wind and ensure a bountiful harvest.
- Epithets and Variations: Notus possessed various epithets reflecting his diverse nature. He was called “Notus the Rainy One,” “Notus the Scorching,” and “Notus the Lord of the Deep,” highlighting his connection to both rain and the turbulent seas.
- Artistic Depictions: While no definitive image survives, descriptions suggest Notus was depicted as a powerful, winged figure. He might carry a water jar or a dark cloud, symbolizing his connection to rain and storms.
The Symbols of Notus in Greek Mythology
Notus, the god of the South Wind in Greek mythology, is depicted through various symbols that reflect his power, influence, and connection to the natural world. These symbols not only represent his role as a divine force but also embody the characteristics and domains over which he presides.
Cranes
One of the primary symbols associated with Notus is the crane. In ancient Greek culture, cranes were believed to migrate with the changing seasons, guided by the winds. As the god of the South Wind, Notus is often depicted with cranes, symbolizing his control over the warm breezes that facilitate migration and signify the changing of seasons. The presence of cranes in artistic representations of Notus underscores his association with natural rhythms and the cyclical patterns of life.
Billowing Robes
In artistic depictions, Notus is often portrayed wearing billowing robes that symbolize the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the South Wind. His robes flow with the winds he commands, emphasizing his role as a deity who can bring both gentle breezes and powerful storms. The imagery of flowing robes also suggests his ability to traverse vast distances swiftly, echoing the reach of his influence over the lands and seas.
Conch Shell
The conch shell is another symbol closely associated with Notus. In ancient times, the conch shell was used as a trumpet to announce the arrival of important figures or events. As the god of the South Wind, Notus is sometimes depicted holding a conch shell, signifying his authority to herald changes in weather and seasons. The sound of the conch shell evokes the stirring of winds and the arrival of his warm breezes, which bring fertility and abundance to the earth.
Wings
As one of the Anemoi, or wind gods, Notus is often depicted with wings that symbolize his ability to traverse the skies and command the winds. His wings denote his divine status and swift movement across the heavens, underscoring his role as a celestial deity who governs the southern winds. The presence of wings in artistic representations of Notus highlights his association with flight, freedom, and the expansive reach of his influence over the natural world.
Cornucopia
In some interpretations, Notus is depicted holding a cornucopia, also known as the Horn of Plenty. The cornucopia symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and the fertile winds that Notus brings to the earth. It represents the bountiful harvests and flourishing crops that result from his benevolent influence over agriculture and fertility. Notus’s association with the cornucopia underscores his role as a provider of sustenance and blessings to humanity, reflecting the ancient Greeks’ reverence for his role in ensuring agricultural prosperity.
Trident
Occasionally, Notus is depicted wielding a trident, a symbol traditionally associated with other sea gods like Poseidon. The trident symbolizes Notus’s dominion over the seas and his ability to stir up storms and tempests when angered or provoked. While less common than other symbols, the trident underscores Notus’s formidable power and his capacity to influence maritime travel and weather patterns, emphasizing his role as a guardian and arbiter of the seas.
Sun Disc
In some artistic representations, Notus is shown with a sun disc, symbolizing his association with the summer season and the radiant warmth of his southern winds. The sun disc represents the life-giving energy and vitality that Notus brings to the earth during the hottest months of the year. It underscores his role in sustaining life and promoting growth, particularly in regions where the summer heat can be intense and challenging.
Sea Creatures
Notus’s connection to the sea is often symbolized by the presence of sea creatures in his depictions. Dolphins, fish, and other marine life are sometimes shown alongside Notus, highlighting his role as a guardian of maritime voyages and a protector of sailors. These sea creatures symbolize the abundance of the oceans and the safety that Notus ensures for those who venture across the seas, emphasizing his benevolent aspects as a deity of navigation and marine life.
Pomegranate
In certain myths and artistic representations, Notus is associated with the pomegranate, a fruit symbolizing fertility, abundance, and the cycles of life and death. The pomegranate’s rich symbolism aligns with Notus’s role in promoting agricultural prosperity and ensuring the continuity of life through his influence over the seasons and weather patterns.
The Crossroads and the Gateway
As the south wind marked the transition from summer to autumn, Notus was seen as a symbol of change and crossroads. He embodied the liminal space between seasons, a time of harvest and preparation for the unknown. In some interpretations, Notus was also associated with the southern gate of the underworld, acting as a guardian or a guide for those crossing over.
| Notus, the god of the South Wind, occupies a prominent place in the tapestry of Greek mythology. His character embodies the duality of nature—gentle yet formidable, nurturing yet capable of unleashing storms. |
