Concept in Definition ABC

In the mythology Greek there were some inferior divinities known as nymphs. They are feminine beings who are at an intermediate level between humans and gods. Throughout the history of art they have been represented as some naked or semi-naked maidens associated with nature. In Greek sanctuaries they were worshiped and humans made offerings and gifts to them.

Allies of the gods and protectors of humans

According to mythological accounts, especially those of Homer and Hesiod, they were daughters of the god Zeus and were integrated into the Olympus of the gods. These divinities are not immortal, although they do not age or are affected by disease. If they mate with a god they give birth to immortal beings.

Nymphs have a certain resemblance to fairies, as one of their functions is to watch over the fate of human beings. They were dedicated to weaving, caring for the flowers or to dance around Artemis, the goddess of hunting and virginity. They could also accompany other gods, such as Apollo or Dionysus.

Usually these women are associated with a specific place, for example a stream, a spring, a cave or a mountain.

Nymphs are protectors of nature and thanks to them some specific aspect of the natural world is transformed. In some cases, they are dedicated to protecting a location or to a ethnicity concrete. In this sense, some kings contracted marriage with one of them in order to give prestige to his reign and his lineage.

Their lives were not always pleasant, as they were chased by satyrs, men with legs and ram's horns who wanted to have sex with them. Nymphs hated satyrs and when they approached they transformed into Water to escape. However, these female divinities were attracted to humans and could fall in love with a man (the nymph Calypso fell in love with Ulysses and the two lived together for seven years, as recounted by Homer in the Odyssey).

The Nereids were the nymphs that inhabited the Mediterranean Sea

These divinities were daughters of the god Nereus and the goddess Doris. They are very attractive girls and some of them have the lower part of their body in the shape of a fish. Over time, the stories about the nereids merged with the stories about mermaids and in this way the character of the mermaids as we know them was formed.

Although the Nereids inhabit the depths of the sea, sometimes surface to help boaters when they need it. Among the best known are Galatea and Tetis.

Photos: Fotolia - Coka / Difinbeker