An efficient, yet durable wind turbine is provided for use in windy environments even with extreme wind conditions. The turbine includes spaced apart frame members rotatably mounted upon a central axle for rotation therewith, and having a plurality of blades rotatably mounted between the frame members for rotation upon blade axles. Blade directors automatically orient the blades relative to the wind direction. The turbines are self starting, with the frame members rotating in one direction while the blades rotate in an opposite direction so as to move between perpendicular and parallel orientations relative to the wind stream. In one embodiment, the turbine can be oriented either vertically or horizontally. The central axles can be connected to an electrical generator or, if powered by an engine, can be used to provide torque or propulsion to a mechanical device.