In Greek mythology, Zephyrus was the gentle god of the west wind. {Roman equivalent: Favonius ("favorable")} It was thought that Zephyrus lived in a cave on Thrace. He was Celaeno's lover. He is the son of Eos and Aeolus and the brother of Boreas, Eurus and Notus.

He abducted the goddess Chloris and gave her the domain of flowers. With Chloris, he fathered Ampyx, Mopsus and Carpus.

His Roman mythological equivalent was Favonius, who held dominion over plants and flowers.

Hyacinth was a Spartan prince, very handsome and athletic, the lover of Apollo. The pair were practicing throwing the discus when Hyacinth was struck by one, blown off course by Zephyrus, who was jealous of Apollo and loved Hyacinth as well. When Hyacinth died, Apollo created the flower from his blood.

With the harpy Podarge, his lover, he was the father of Balius and Xanthus.

Zephyrus also figured into the story of Eros and Psyche, facilitating Psyche's visit to Eros' cave and then, by his absence, causing the death of Psyche's two sisters. (See Psyche for more details.)