NYMPH
Greek Mythology
Roman Mythology
Female Spirit
These are female nature SPIRITS especially in the classical mythology of Greece and Rome. They were portrayed as beautiful young maidens dressed in diaphanous flowering garments, with lovely hair tied in the classical Greek fashion with golden bands around their heads. Although not immortal, they were said to live for several thousands of years.
The NYMPHS were usually the attendants of the gods, often provided musical or theatrical entertainment. They frequently played instruments, danced, educated infant gods, and delivered prophecies
There were distinct groups of NYMPHS named according to where they dwelled and what they protected. They could both be benevolent and malevolent toward humans and have also been called demons or spirits.
In the pantheon of the ancient mythologies of most cultures, there are spirit maidens whose activities are the same as those of the NYMPHS and whose roles were as attendants of the deities and having guardianship responsibilities. They are the subject of numerous tales and legends in their own right. The following are the names of groups of NYMPHS from different cultures.
- Cherokee, Native American: ANITSUTSA
- Germany: MOSS MAIDENS
- Greece & Rome: Alsieda, Atlantides, Auluniads, Carmemae, Crenae, Dryades, Hemadryades, Hesperides, Limonead, Meliae, Meliae, Meliades, Melissa, Muses, Naidads, Nepaeae, Naphae, Nereid, Oceanids, Oriadades, Pagae, Pleiades, Slyphs, Undines
- India: Apsaras, Devas, Gandharvas, Kollimalaikanniyarka, Urvasi, Vrikshakas
- Ireland: Suire
- Persia: Houri, Huran
Source: Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins Encyclopedia