Aura
A swift Titaness of the morning breeze, known for her tragic story involving Dionysus and a boast that cost her everything.
The Myth of Aura
Aura was a daughter of the Titan Lelantos and the nymph Periboea, placing her among the third generation of Titan-descended divinities. She was famed across the ancient world for two things: her supernatural speed and the cool morning breezes she embodied. Aura ran with a swiftness that rivalled Artemis herself, and it was this comparison that destroyed her. One day, Aura made the reckless claim that her body was more athletic and virginal than that of Artemis. The goddess of the hunt did not forgive such boasts. Artemis appealed to Nemesis, the goddess of retribution, who arranged for Dionysus to encounter Aura. The god of wine caused Aura to fall into a deep sleep and violated her while she was unconscious. When Aura awoke and discovered she was pregnant, she was driven mad with grief and rage. She gave birth to twin sons, and in her madness attempted to destroy them. Zeus intervened to save one of the infants — Iacchus, who would become associated with the Eleusinian Mysteries. Aura herself, unable to bear what had happened to her, threw herself into the river Sangarius. Zeus took pity on her and transformed her into a spring, so that she became literally what she had always been — a cool, flowing current of air turned to water.
Parents
Lelantos and Periboea
Children
Iacchus
Symbols
Fun Fact
The English word "aura" — meaning an invisible atmosphere surrounding a person — traces directly back to this Titaness of the breeze.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
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