Aeolus (son of Poseidon)

Aeolus, in Greek mythology, was a figure associated with the winds. He is often distinguished from Aeolus, son of Hellen, who is considered the ancestor of the Aeolians. This Aeolus, the son of Poseidon and Arne, is typically presented not as a king or god controlling the winds, but rather as a mortal man entrusted with their safekeeping by the Olympian gods.

His parentage as the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Arne lends him a connection to the maritime world. The most famous account of Aeolus appears in Homer's Odyssey, where he resides on the floating island of Aeolia. Odysseus and his crew are hospitably received by Aeolus, who gifts them a leather bag containing all the winds except the favorable west wind, Zephyr, to aid their journey home to Ithaca.

The Odyssey recounts how Odysseus's crew, succumbing to curiosity and greed, open the bag while Odysseus is asleep, believing it to contain treasure. The unleashed winds drive their ship far off course, effectively undoing their progress and leading to further adventures.

While not possessing absolute control over the winds, Aeolus's role as their keeper signifies his importance in the mythology of seafaring and navigation. The episode in the Odyssey highlights the power and unpredictability of the winds, and the consequences of human folly and disobedience. He is often depicted as a wise and respected figure, entrusted with a significant responsibility by the gods. Although less prominent than some Olympian deities, Aeolus remains a noteworthy character due to his association with a powerful natural force and his integral role in one of the most enduring works of Western literature.