The Boreads (Ancient Greek: Βορεάδαι, romanized: Boreádai) are the "wind brothers" in Greek mythology. They consist of Zetes (also Zethes) (Ancient Greek: Ζήτης) and Calaïs (Ancient Greek: Κάλαϊς). Their place of origin was Thrace, home of their father Boreas (North wind).
Zetes and Calais were credited with very delicate and graceful hair, which was said to give them the ability to fly (though in some tales they have wings). They had great pride in who had the longest curls between the two of them and by boasting about these locks, they were uplifted.[1] They had dusky wings which gleamed with golden scales.[2]
The Boreads were the twin sons of Boreas and Oreithyia, daughter of King Erechtheus of Athens. They were the brothers of Chione and Cleopatra, wife of Phineus; king of Thrace.
Due to being sons of the north wind they were supernaturally gifted in different ways (depending on changes in the story from being passed down through generations and cultures) either being as fast as the wind or able to fly, having wings either on their feet or backs, depending on the myth.[2]: I, 211–223 According to Ovid's Metamorphoses, their divine status showed in manhood when they sprouted wings on their backs.[3]
They were Argonauts and played a particularly vital role in the rescue of Phineus from the harpies. They succeeded in driving the monsters away but did not kill them, at a request from the goddess of the rainbow, Iris, who promised that Phineas would not be bothered by the harpies again. As thanks, Phineas told the Argonauts how to pass the Symplegades. It is said that the Boreads were turned back by Iris at the Strophades. The islands' name, meaning "Islands of Turning", refers to this event.[2]: I, 240–300
Calais in one tradition is said to be the beloved of Orpheus;[4][5] Orpheus was said to have been killed at the hands of jealous Thracian women whilst he wandered the countryside thinking of Calais.[6]