A long, long time ago, Astraios, the God of Starlight, and Eos, the Goddess of the Rosy-fingered morn, were wed. Their union was blessed with five sons: Boreas, Titan, Euros, Zephyrus and Notos. As the eldest, Boreas was granted the title of “King of the Winds.”
As the “King of the Winds,” Boreas assigned to each of his brothers a permanent reign over a great force and power. Titan was given the blustery North Wind. Euros was granted the rule of the irresponsible East Wind. Zephyrus reigned over the bountiful West Wind. Notos ruled the balmy but unstable South Wind. The brothers cavorted gaily over land and sea.
King Boreas, while on his extensive travels, came upon a winter paradise known as Minnesota. He paused to behold the enchanting beauty of a magnificent group of seven gently sloping hills in within whose embrace nestled a beautiful city. Boreas whistled in sheer ecstasy, “Historic Saint Paul and her seven hills! An ideal place. I will make Saint Paul the capitol of all my domains! It will henceforth be emblazoned throughout the world as the winter playground of the Realm of Boreas.”
Meanwhile, Vulcanus Rex, the God of Fire, and the implacable enemy of Boreas, crackled in defiant disdain. “By the great sword of Mars, I will temper the blustering of Boreas with the heat and roar of my forces.” He was tireless in his bitter resistance to all the festivities of Boreas.
Undaunted, King Boreas proclaimed a celebration in the spirit of gay Carnival. “So be it!” shouted Boreas, “There will be a Carnival in Old Saint Paul!” Boreas selected a Prime Minister to coordinate preparations in all the principalities, provinces and royal houses within the Realm of Saint Paul.
And so, for ten glorious days, there was Carnival and many joyous celebration in Saint Paul. Feasting, dancing, fun and frolic reigned over by King Boreas and the Queen of Snows, the fairest maiden in the Realm, along with his brothers, the Four Winds, who were each accompanied by a lovely Princess from the Realm of Boreas.
Klondike Kate, a lady of song and merriment, added her sassy but enchanting voice to the festivities by singing songs of desire and sentiment. Senior King Winter, Queen of the Northlands, and their court contributed goodwill and wisdom, while Junior King Frost and Queen of the Snowflakes, and their court add youthful exuberance to the festivities.
On the final day of celebration, Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe stormed the magnificent Ice Palace and confronted the King’s Guard. Upon the good counsel of the Queen, Boreas bade farewell to the people of his winter capitol and, in the interest of peace and goodwill, and returned to dwell among the Gods of Olympus.
King Boreas and his court looked forward to the time when summer’s warmth would once again relinquish its hold on the Realm and the frosty atmosphere of winter would prevail.
Check out the legend translated into multiple languages!
Legend of Winter Carnival – French
Legend of Winter Carnival – German
Legend of Winter Carnival – Hmong
Legend of Winter Carnival – Somali
Legend of Winter Carnival – Spanish