Astraeus and Eos are the parents of a diverse lineage that includes the four directional winds, the Morning Star, countless other stars, and the virgin goddess of justice.
Who Are Astraeus and Eos' Kids?
The Greek Titan Astraeus, whose name means "of the stars," and the goddess Eos, personification of the dawn, share several significant children in Greek mythology. Their offspring include the powerful Anemoi (wind gods), the radiant Eosphoros (Morning Star), the vast multitude of stars, and the revered goddess Astraea.
The Anemoi: The Four Wind Gods
Among their most prominent children are the Anemoi, the four divine personifications of the winds. Each of these brothers represents a cardinal direction and brings distinct weather patterns.
- Zephyrus (West Wind): Known as the gentlest of the winds, Zephyrus is often associated with spring and early summer breezes. He plays a role in various myths, including the story of Eros and Psyche.
- Further Reading: Zephyrus
- Boreas (North Wind): A powerful and often violent wind, Boreas is the bringer of winter and cold. He is frequently depicted with wings and flowing hair.
- Further Reading: Boreas
- Notus (South Wind): Notus is the bringer of late summer and autumn storms, associated with warm, moist air and rain.
- Further Reading: Notus
- Eurus (East Wind): Unlike his brothers, Eurus is not typically associated with a particular season but is known as the god of the east or southeast wind, often bringing ill fortune.
- Further Reading: Eurus
Eosphoros: The Morning Star
Eosphoros, also known as Phosphorus or Lucifer in Roman mythology, is the personification of the Morning Star (the planet Venus when seen at dawn). He heralds the arrival of his mother, Eos, as she crosses the sky.
- Further Reading: Eosphoros
The Stars
Beyond Eosphoros, Astraeus and Eos are also credited with being the parents of the innumerable stars that populate the night sky. This lineage highlights Astraeus's connection to the cosmos and Eos's role in introducing them each day.
- Further Reading: Stars in Greek Mythology
Astraea: The Starry Goddess of Justice
Astraea is the virgin goddess of innocence, purity, and justice. Her name, meaning "starry one," directly links her to her father, Astraeus, and the celestial realm. According to myth, she was the last immortal to leave Earth during the corrupt Iron Age, ascending to the heavens to become the constellation Virgo.
- Further Reading: Astraea
Summary of Astraeus and Eos's Children
To provide a clear overview, here is a table summarizing the offspring of Astraeus and Eos:
| Child (Greek Name) | Description | Key Attributes |
|---|---|---|
| Zephyrus | God of the West Wind | Gentle, spring breezes |
| Boreas | God of the North Wind | Fierce, winter storms |
| Notus | God of the South Wind | Warm, rain-bringing |
| Eurus | God of the East Wind | Often ill-omened, unpredictable |
| Eosphoros | The Morning Star | Heralds the dawn (Venus) |
| The Stars | All celestial stars | Countless luminous bodies |
| Astraea | Goddess of Justice | Purity, innocence, constellation Virgo |
This divine couple, linking the dawn with the stars, created a family that influences both the earthly elements and the cosmic order, shaping the natural world and embodying abstract concepts like justice.
