Old Man Winter is a personification of winter. [1] [2] The name is a colloquialism for the winter season derived from ancient Greek mythology and Old World pagan beliefs evolving into modern characters in both literature and popular culture. [3] He is usually depicted as an old man, often blowing winter over the landscape with his breath, or simply freezing the landscape with his very presence. [4]
Humans have associated the winter season with deities, e.g., the ancient Greek god of winter Boreas, and in other cultures including Celtic mythology with the goddess Cailleach and goddess Beira. [3] Over time, the old gods of winter changed to new humanizations of the seasons, including Old Man Winter. [3] Among the Potawatomi people of the Western Great Lakes region, there exists a myth about Old Man Winter, called Pondese in their language. [5] Old Man Winter was a character in Iroquois legends. [6]
His breath roared out from his lips, Stopping all streams at their source. The feet of Old Man Winter walked upon the earth, freezing all the grass.
— Nancy Wood [7]