ZETES (son of Boreas)
Figure of myth · son of Boreas in Greek mythology
- In the sources
- 11 ancient passages
Zetes, son of the wind god Boreas and Orithyia, was a winged figure.1,2,3 Dark wings on his ankles shimmered with golden scales, while bright wings shot from his back.2,3,4 Dark hair covered his back, head, and neck, moving in the wind.3 He was the brother of the winged son Calais and the daughters Cleopatra and Chione.5
Hera inspired him with a desire to join the ship Argo, and Boreas equipped him with bright wings so he could join the Argo.4 Zetes joined the group of nobles assembled to sail on the ship Argo, sailing alongside Jason during his expedition.1,5 He was motivated to achieve valour even if it meant death.4 Zeus granted Zetes tireless strength to enable him to chase the Harpies.6
Zetes and his brother pursued the Harpies with swords to protect an aged man.6 He was eager to help Phineus because of an oath.6 Zetes forced the Harpies to leave their caverned lair and pursued them through the air.7,2 He nearly caught the Harpies but only grazed them with his fingertips.6 Zetes was stopped by Iris before he could tear the Harpies apart.6 Apollonius claims Iris caused Zetes and his followers to turn away.8
Zetes took the hand of the grieving father to comfort him.9 He arrived at the threshold by darting down from the sky.10 He spoke to the eager listeners while still breathing hard from his exertions.10 He recounted how he and his brother drove the Harpies away and prevented them from slaying Phineus.10 He described how a goddess gave them pledges out of her grace.10 He turned and prayed to Zeus alongside others.11
It was fated that Zetes would die when he could not catch a fugitive.2
The codex facts behind this entry
Zetes is identified as one of the twin sons of the wind god Boreas and Orithyia. Apollodorus 1.9.16 +6
Appearance
Zetes possessed dark wings on his ankles that shimmered with golden scales. Apollodorus 1.9.21 +2
