Hyperborea

In Greek mythology, according to tradition, the Hyperboreans were a mythical people who lived to the far north of Greece. Their land, called Hyperborea ("beyond the Boreas (north wind)"), was perfect, with the sun shining twenty-four hours a day. Apollo spent his winter amongst them. Theseus and Perseus also visited the Hyperboreans.

According to Herodotus (4.13), they live beyond the Arimaspians and were visited by Aristeas. He also mentions a Homeric poem (now lost) which deals with them.

Large quantities of gold were here, guarded by the griffins.

Abaris, Ilithyia are Hyperboreans.

See also Thule (myth).

The cycle of Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard is supposed to happen in the similarly named "Hyborian era".