NOTUS (god of the south wind)
Power of sky and light · god of the south wind, storms of late summer and early autumn, wetness, mist, energy, radiance, dryness, freshness, activity, youth and rain in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Astraeus, Eos
- Siblings
- Boreas, Zephyrus, Euros
- Children
- Aurai
- Haunts and cult places
- Africa
- In the sources
- 11 ancient passages
Notus, the wind blowing from the south, was born of the divine union between Astraeus and Eos.1,2,3 As a brother to Boreas, Zephyrus, and Euros, he stood among the principal winds of the ancient world. His breath originated from the southern part of the heavens, marking his domain in the celestial order.2
Notus stirred the sea, making deep waters dangerous with hurricane force that heaved the wide ocean high.4,5,6 His roaring blasts moved with the swift, wild darting of race horses, a raving presence during storms.6,5 He acted first among the winds in their concerted rush, bringing fierce gales that accompanied heavy autumn rain.5,4 Unlike other winds, he did not blow damply, though in Italy he was characterized by humidity or burning heat.7,1
The influence of this wind extended from Ethiopia to the equator, its limit in the southern lands.8 In Africa, he brought intense heat and fine clear weather, while in the Indian coasts he provided a little airing.1,9 During the event described, Notus was occupied with the Red Sea, while the wind Libonotos held its position between Libs and Notos.9,2
Husbandmen had to avoid felling wood or touching vines when this wind blew, guarding their olives and grafting against its effects.1 Pruning incisions on trees or vines must never face the direction of this wind, a strict rule for those working the land.1
The codex facts behind this entry
Notos is the Greek name for the wind blowing from the south. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 18.76 ¶2 +1 It is identified as the southern wind. Strabo 1.3.22 Notus is one of the winds born from a divine union. The Theogony ll. 378-382
Powers
Notus is described as a shouting wind that heaves the wide sea high with hurricane force. Quintus 4 ¶29 Notus brings fierce gales that accompany heavy autumn rain. Hesiod's Works and Days ll. 663-677 Unlike other winds, Notus does not blow damply. The Theogony ll. 869-880
In the myths
Notus stirs up the sea, making the deep waters dangerous. Hesiod's Works and Days ll. 663-677 +2 The wind's roaring blasts are compared to the swift, wild darting of race horses. Quintus 4 ¶29 Notus was occupied with the Red Sea during the event described. Lucian, Dialogues of the Sea-Gods 15 ¶1 Notus provided a little airing to the Indian coasts. Lucian, Dialogues of the Sea-Gods 15 ¶1 Notus is described as raving during the storm. Seneca, Agamemnon act 3 ¶4 Notus acts first among the winds in the concerted rush. Seneca, Agamemnon act 3 ¶4 Husbandmen must avoid felling wood or touching vines when this wind blows. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 18.76 ¶2 Pruning incisions on trees or vines must never face the direction of this wind. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 18.76 ¶2 Planting olives or grafting requires guarding against this wind during specific days. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 18.76 ¶2
