Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
The Winds explained
This chapter personifies the four winds—Boreas (Aquilo), Zephyrus (Favonius), Notus (Auster), and Eurus—focusing on the myths of Boreas and Orithyia, and Zephyrus and Flora, with poetic references from Milton and Dr.
What happens
This chapter personifies the four winds—Boreas (Aquilo), Zephyrus (Favonius), Notus (Auster), and Eurus—focusing on the myths of Boreas and Orithyia, and Zephyrus and Flora, with poetic references from Milton and Dr. Young.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Love and Transformation
Boreas's love for Orithyia and his transformation from frustrated suitor to forceful abductor illustrates the theme of love leading to drastic change.
Characters to notice
- Cephalus
Referenced indirectly through the myth of Boreas and Orithyia, though not named; the chapter focuses on the winds as personified beings.
Key passages
“Boreas loved the nymph Orithyia, and tried to play the lover’s part, but met with poor success. It was hard for him to breathe gently, and sighing was out of the question. Weary at last of fruitless endeavors, he acted out his true character, seized the maiden and carried her off.”
Boreas fell in love with the nymph Orithyia and attempted to woo her gently, but his natural roughness made it impossible. Eventually, he gave up and forcefully abducted her.
Illustrates the personification of the north wind as a violent lover.
“Zephyrus was the lover of Flora.”
The west wind, Zephyrus, was romantically involved with the goddess Flora.
Highlights the gentle, nurturing aspect of the west wind in contrast to Boreas.
