Also called Dryads and hamadryads (trees), Naiads (springs and rivers), Oreads (mountains), Nereids (the sea).
The tale
The nymphs were long-lived spirits of wild places, daughters of Zeus or of the rivers, who lived in springs, trees, caves and mountains. Greeks honoured them at springs and in caves, like the cave at Vari in Attica, with honey, milk and small gifts. Some were bound to a single tree, and died when it was cut down. Ovid tells how Erysichthon cut down a sacred oak of Demeter's grove, full of nymphs, ignoring the blood that flowed from its bark, and was punished with a hunger so great he ended by devouring himself.
When they are met
- spring and early summer
- when drawing water from a spring
- at the planting of a tree
- at weddings
Staying on their good side
- milk, honey, water or olive oil
- flowers and garlands
- small cakes
- clean water left unpolluted
Honouring them, or keeping safe
- Leave flowers or pour a little clean water by a spring, pond or old tree.
- Plant a tree and look after it, in honour of the dryads.
- Help clean up a stream or pond near you.
- Keep a bowl of fresh water with a flower in it on a windowsill.
What their tales teach
- connection with nature
- fertility and growth
- inspiration
- caring for water and trees
Symbols
- a spring or fountain
- an old oak or ash
- a cave with dripping water
- flower garlands
- water jugs
From Homer, Hesiod, Ovid and the many real cave and spring shrines of ancient Greece.
More Greek folklore
- Medusa The Gorgon whose gaze turns flesh to stone
- Circe The enchantress of the island of Aeaea
- The Sirens The singers of the deadly shore
- Satyrs The wild revellers of Dionysus
- Kallikantzaroi The goblins of the Twelve Days
- The Neraides Fairy women of springs and hills
- Vrykolakas The restless dead of Greek villages
- The Lamia of folk tales The glutton ogress of Greek tales