Who Is The God Of Wind?
Wind is an essential element that has influenced humanity since ancient times. The mysterious and uncontrollable nature of wind led many ancient religions and mythologies to deify wind and assign a god to rule over it.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The most well-known gods of wind across various mythologies and religions are Vayu (Hinduism), Fūjin (Japanese Shinto), Aeolus (Greek mythology), Njord (Norse mythology), and Shu (Egyptian mythology).
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the gods of wind in detail across belief systems like Hinduism, Shintoism, Greek mythology, Norse mythology, Egyptian mythology and more. We will uncover their origins, their powers over the winds, their significance and symbols.
So if you would like an in-depth understanding of who the gods of the winds are, read on.
Vayu – God of Wind in Hinduism
Origins and Family
Vayu, the God of Wind in Hindu mythology, is one of the most ancient and revered deities. He is considered the father of Bhima and Hanuman. According to legends, Vayu was born to the god Kashyapa and his wife Diti. He has two brothers – Indra, the God of Thunder and Rain, and Agni, the God of Fire.
Vayu is married to Anjana and they have two sons – Hanuman and Bhima. Both his sons played pivotal roles in the two great Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata respectively. Vayu’s descendants are also called Pavanputras or sons of the wind god.
Appearance and Symbols
Vayu is depicted in ancient Hindu texts as a god riding a deer chariot and holding a white banner. He is described as red in color, symbolic of the rising sun. He is often shown with gold armlets and bracelets and many precious jewels.
Some common symbols associated with Vayu are:
- Deer or antelope-drawn chariot
- White flag or banner
- Arrows signifying speed and precision
Powers and Significance
As the God of the Wind, Vayu holds immense powers over the atmosphere and sky. He is swift like the wind and can fly anywhere in an instant. Vayu governs air currents, tornados, storms and lightning.
In Hindu culture it is believed that properly propitiating Vayu can prevent natural disasters related to wind and storms. He is also called Pavan meaning “the purifier” as the winds purify the atmosphere by blowing away impurities. That is why offerings are made to Vayu before major Hindu rituals.
Over the millennia, Vayu’s popularity as a God has remained constant owing to his benevolent nature and significance in human existence. He brings rains at the proper time ensuring welfare, health and happiness.
Fūjin – Japanese Shinto God of Wind
Legends and History
Fūjin is one of the oldest Shinto gods, dating back to at least the 7th century AD. He is traditionally depicted as a terrifying wizard-like demon with sharp claws and wild hair, and is the Japanese god of wind.
According to legend, Fūjin was born from the blood that dripped from Izanagi’s sword as he slayed the fire god Kagutsuchi after his birth burned Izanami to death.
As the god of wind, Fūjin is said to be present in every breeze, from the gentlest spring zephyr to the strongest typhoon. The winds were thought to be Fūjin’s breaths, which could whip up storms or gently blow cherry blossom petals in more pleasant moods.
Fūjin was both feared and respected – it was important to stay on his good side to avoid destructive winds!
Worship of Fūjin dates back at least to the 8th century, when the Buddhist monk Kūkai included Fūjin as one of the Shinto gods to be honored in his new syncretic version of Shingon Buddhism. Kūkai advised believers to chant sutras when the winds blew to appease Fūjin and avoid his wrathful storms.
Over centuries, Fūjin became closely associated with Buddhism in Japan.
Depictions in Art
In Japanese art, Fūjin is often depicted as a green demon with a fierce face and wild hair. He typically carries a large bag of winds on his shoulders, with winds escaping through the opening. His magical powers over wind are represented by the tornadoes swirling around him.
One famous depiction is the 13th century Fūjin Raijin-zu scroll painting, which shows Fūjin on the left blowing winds and Raijin the thunder god on the right beating drums to make thunder. The two frightful gods demonstrate their command over the forces of nature.
In ukiyo-e woodblock prints, Fūjin is often paired with Raijin as a comical, eccentric figure. For example, in an 1820s print by Katsushika Hokusai, a goofy looking Fūjin with wings under his robes blows gusts of wind beside Raijin stirring up a storm.
More modern artwork sometimes portrays Fūjin as more benevolent, such as Kazuaki Horitomo’s colorful tattoo-style painting of Fūjin as a strong youth controlling the winds. However, traditional demonic portrayals remain popular as well.
Temples and Worship
There are a several major temples dedicated to Fūjin across Japan. The Fūjin Shrine at Tomioka Hachimangu in Tokyo honors him along with Hachiman and the goddess Ame-no-uzume-no-mikoto. Local legend says that a white snake, messenger of Fūjin, brought good winds that allowed Minamoto Yoritomo’s ships to set sail for a famous 12th century battle.
The Kumano Hayatama Taisha shrine in the ancient pilgrimage town of Nachi Katsuura also has a major shrine to Fūjin, honoring him as the god of winds at sea. Sailors and fishermen have long prayed here for Fūjin’s protection from storms.
Ancient votive plaques found at Kumano Hayatama Taisha even depict Fūjin as a whale, connecting him to ocean creatures.
Even today, Shinto believers may pray to Fūjin for favorable winds, especially during spring kite-flying festivals, sailing regattas, and for safety during typhoon season. Households may have a small Fūjin shrine to protect their homes from storms.
The winds of Fūjin continue to blow through Japanese religion and culture.
Aeolus – Ruler of the Winds in Greek Myths
Background and Mentions in Literature
Aeolus was the ruler and keeper of the winds in Greek mythology. His name means “quick-moving” or “shifty.” He was the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Arne, a mortal woman. Aeolus lived on the floating island of Aeolia and had the ability to control the winds.
He kept the storm winds locked away in the caverns under his palace, only releasing the gentle west wind, Zephyrus, to blow across the earth.
Aeolus was first mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey, where he helped Odysseus by giving him a bag containing all the winds except the west wind to blow him home to Ithaca. Odysseus’ men opened the bag out of curiosity before they reached home, unleashing a great storm that blew them far off course.
This tale demonstrated Aeolus’ power over the winds.
The Roman poet Virgil also featured Aeolus in the Aeneid. When Juno wanted to prevent Aeneas from reaching Italy, she requested Aeolus to release his winds to whip up a storm. Aeolus agreed, saying, “It is my privilege and pleasure to carry out whatever task the gods set me.”
This highlighted Aeolus’ role in controlling weather phenomena for the gods.
Responsibilities and Abilities
As the keeper of the winds, Aeolus was tasked with monitoring the winds and keeping destructive storms at bay. From his floating home, he observed weather patterns and decided when to restrain or release certain winds. Aeolus’ main duty was maintaining balance between calm and stormy weather.
Aeolus had the unique ability to command the winds. With a word, he could alter wind speed and direction. His powers allowed him to create everything from gentle breezes to gale force winds. According to the ancient Greeks, the changing winds and storms at sea were a direct result of Aeolus’ orders.
They believed he was the cause of both fair sailing weather and destructive tempests.
In addition to controlling winds, Aeolus was also associated with the seasons. The release of Zephyrus, the west wind, signaled the arrival of spring. Aeolus regulated the winds for each season – winds of spring, summer, fall and winter responded to his directions.
This connected him to the growing and harvesting cycles vital to Greek society.
Connection to Other Wind Deities
Aeolus was part of a large family of wind gods in Greek mythology. His father Poseidon was known as the “Storm-Bringer” and controlled sea winds and storms. Aeolus’ many brothers included Boreas, the cold north wind, and Notus, the strong south wind that brought thunderstorms.
His daughters were the Aurae, nymphs of the breezes.
The Romans adopted Aeolus into their own mythology, spelling his name Aeolus. He was parallel to the Etruscan wind god Aplu and may have influenced the Roman wind god Venti. The Babylonian storm god Enlil and the Hindu wind god Vayu share similarities with the Greek Aeolus as well.
While not as well-known as Zeus or Poseidon, Aeolus played an important role in ancient Greek beliefs about the wind and weather. His ability to unleash destructive storms or return the winds to calm demonstrated the power ancient Greeks attributed to him.
Mentions of Aeolus in The Odyssey and The Aeneid cemented his place as the master of the winds in Greek and Roman mythology.
Njord – Norse God of Sea, Wind, Fishing and Wealth
Family Relations
Njord was one of the principal gods of the Vanir tribe before becoming part of the Aesir gods. He was the father of the fertility god Freyr and goddess Freyja by his unnamed sister (according to Norse mythology relationships between siblings were common).
Njord later married the giantess Skadi, though their marriage was said to be an unhappy one as Njord preferred living by the seaside while Skadi preferred the mountains.
Role in Norse Culture
As a god of the sea, wind, fishing and material wealth, Njord held an important role in Norse culture and rituals. Fishermen would pray to Njord for bountiful catches and safe passages at sea. His blessings were said to bring fish-filled nets and calm winds to aid seafaring Vikings.
Sacrifices of fish, shells and seaweed were made at altars to honor him.
In some areas Njord was called upon to bring good fortune to farmers as well, granting fertility to fields and prosperity to households. He was known as a generous god who shared his riches with devout followers.
Powers and Symbols
Njord controlled the winds, oceans and abundance of the sea. He had powers to calm storms, fill fishermen’s nets and grant wealth and fertility to those who venerated him. His ship Skíðblaðnir was made of such fine craftsmanship and magic that it always had a favorable breeze in its sails and could be folded up to fit inside a pocket.
Njord’s symbols included ships, fish, conch shells and seaweed. Carvings and altars in his likenesses were often placed along the seashores where he was worshipped. As an offering for smooth sailing, Vikings would carve boats with curled prows in his honor.
Shu – Egyptian God of Wind and Air
History in Egyptian Beliefs
Shu was one of the earliest Egyptian gods, considered a primordial force alongside his sister and consort Tefnut. As a god of the air and sky, Shu was believed to be the father of Nut and Geb, two other major Egyptian deities.
His name meant “emptiness” or “he who rises up” in ancient Egyptian, representing his elemental connection to the air and winds.
According to the Heliopolitan creation myth, Shu and Tefnut were the first gods created by the solar creator god Atum. Shu represented the air and light between the earth and sky, allowing the sun to shine down upon the land. He was sometimes portrayed holding up the sky goddess Nut with his hands.
As a source of life and order, Shu’s role was seen as crucial in Egyptian theology.
Representation in Hieroglyphs and Art
In Egyptian hieroglyphs and art, Shu was represented either as a man wearing an ostrich feather on his head or as a lion. The ostrich feather symbolized lightness and emptiness, similar to the nature of air, while the lion represented Shu’s fierce protective powers over the air and sky.
As a god connected with sunlight and air, Shu was often depicted with sun disks and hands lifted above his head in a pose of holding up the sky. Many Egyptian temples and tombs featured images of Shu holding up Nut, sometimes with air goddesses like Hathor standing on both sides.
These images represented Shu’s eternal task of separating earth and sky.
Temples and Importance
As an ancient primordial deity, Shu was worshipped throughout Egypt’s history, but he had relatively few temples dedicated solely to him. His cult center was located in Heliopolis, where he was venerated along with Atum, Tefnut, Geb and Nut at the Great Ennead.
The sun temple of Nyuserre Ini during the Fifth Dynasty was also dedicated to the worship of Shu.
However, Shu and Tefnut both had a permanent priesthood dedicated to them at Heliopolis. Shu also appeared in the iconography, rituals and festivals of many Egyptian temples because all life depended on the air and sky.
Even common temple offerings were made in Shu’s name as the gentle wind that fanned the flames.
So while not always a primary god, Shu’s elemental role gave him importance in Egyptian worship for maintaining balance and order between earth and sky. Protection from storms and other weather represented Shu’s goodwill, making him a god worthy of frequent offerings and hymns for the wind, air and sunlight he brought Egypt.
Conclusion
As we have seen, wind gods have taken many fascinating forms across religions and mythologies. While their legends, powers, and importances differed, they were united by their mastery over the winds that so profoundly shaped early human societies.
The gods of wind – Vayu, Fūjin, Aeolus, Njord, Shu and others – reveal humanity’s eternal awe and respect for the invisible but mighty winds. Even today, the gods of winds and their associated tales and symbols continue to inspire wonder about the natural power of wind.
