1. In classical mythology, a people believed to live in a distant northern land beyond the reach of the north wind, in a region of perpetual sunshine and happiness.
Usage: usually capitalized; mythological/classical; plural form
2. People who live in far northern regions; inhabitants of the Arctic or subarctic areas.
Usage: rare; literary or archaic usage

Examples

• The ancient Greeks imagined the Hyperboreans as a blessed people living beyond the North Wind.
• Classical poets wrote of the Hyperboreans as enjoying eternal spring and divine favor.
• In mythology, Apollo was said to visit the Hyperboreans during winter months.
• The concept of the Hyperboreans reflected ancient Greek curiosity about distant northern lands.
• Some scholars interpret references to the Hyperboreans as early attempts to describe Scandinavian peoples.