Personification of the North Wind. He carries off Oreithyia, an Athenian princess. The scene becomes popular after the Athenians start to worship Boreas for the part he played in twice destroying a Persian fleet. He is shown with wings and wild-haired. His sons, the Boreads, have a role in the Argonaut expedition, in which, with Phineus they pursue the Harpies.
Above left: Boreas and Oreithyia. Detail from Athenian red-figure oinochoe, 5th century BC.Oxford. Ashmolean Museum © Ashmolean Museum
Above right: Boreads pursuing Harpies. Detail from a Laconian cup, mid 6th century BC. Rome, Museo Nazionale Di Villa Giulia © Museo Nazionale Di Villa Giulia. Rome