Astraeus
Astraeus was a son of the Titan Crius and his wife Eurybia and was often numbered among the Titans himself. He married Eos, the goddess of the dawn, with whom he fathered the Anemoi (“Winds”) and the Astra (“Stars”).
Top Questions
Was Astraeus a Titan?
Astraeus was not one of the original twelve Titans born to Gaia and Uranus, but he was the child of one of thoseTitans (Crius) and was thus sometimes called a Titan as well.
Who were Astraeus’ children?
In the standard tradition, Astraeus and his wife Eos were the parents of the Anemoi (“Winds”) and the Astra (“Stars”).
Table of Contents
Overview
Etymology
The name “Astraeus” (Greek Ἀστραῖος, translit. Astraios) is likely related to the Greek word astēr (“star”), itself derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂ster- (“star”).[1]
Pronunciation
English
Greek
Astraeus Ἀστραῖος (translit. Astraios) Phonetic
IPA
[uh-STREE-uhs] /əˈstɹiːəs/
Attributes
Astraeus’ name (which comes from the Greek word for “star”) and the starry nature of his children indicate that he was connected with celestial bodies. He is not found in ancient art, but some believe he was represented on the famous Gigantomachy relief of the Pergamon Altar (second century BCE).[2]
The Roman mythographer Hyginus lists Astraeus among the Giants born to Tartarus and Gaia, but this may be a mistake.[3]
Family
Astraeus was one of the sons of Crius, a Titan, and Eurybia, a daughter of Gaia and Pontus. He had two brothers, Pallas and Perses.[4]
Astraeus married Eos, daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia and goddess of the dawn. Together they bore the Anemoi (“Winds”): Zephyrus (the west wind), Boreas (the north wind), and Notus (the south wind). They were also the parents of Eosphorus (the morning star) and the Astra (“Stars”).[5] Some sources named additional children, including Eurus (the east wind)[6] and Astraea, a virgin goddess of justice and innocence.[7]
Family Tree
Mythology
Astraeus does not have a mythology of his own. Instead, he serves a genealogical function as the husband of Eos and the father of the Anemoi and the Astra.