A nymph is a beautiful deity or a mysterious spirit of nature?

The ancient Greeks believed in many deities and other mysterious characters, about which history tells us. Before they formed a certain pantheon of the gods, they worshiped creatures, by their supposition, inhabited in forests, waters and mountains. In particular, the nymph is, in the opinion of the Greeks, everything that represents the moving and growing in nature and giving life to plants and animals, be it a river, a sea, a grove or a tree. The image of these creatures is very romantic and gentle. Let's get acquainted with these mysterious inhabitants of the earth.

Who are they?

In general, the nymph is the keeper of any particular natural object. So, for example, naiads are the spirits of springs and streams, as well as the patroness of everything that lives in the water. In another way, the water-keeper was called the "nymph-mermaid". Dryads are their representatives, which were born and died with the tree. Each cluster of trees had its own forest nymph. Their keepers had islands, valleys and mountains.

Where do they live?

Beautiful nymphs, as the ancient Greeks believed, live in dark caves, where streams begin their way. The places of their appearance were sacred to people, beside them were built sanctuaries, where these creatures were sacrificed. In addition, these sources had useful, healing qualities, because of which the nymphs were attributed the role of the companions of the god Asclepius, who was endowed with the ability to treat people.

What are they remarkable about?

The nymph is a great prophetess. So people thought in ancient times. Their monasteries, namely the rivers and streams, were favorite places for fortune-telling. In the turbulent flow of water, those wishing to cast labels marked, and it was believed that the advice indicated on that piece of wood that does not drown or be thrown out of the water is a sign from the nymphs. In addition, in ancient times there was a custom in which a person accused of committing a certain crime was thrown into the river and watched for further events. If the subject emerged, it means that he is innocent, and the nymphs acquitted him. If a person drowned, this meant that the river goddesses performed their fair trial over them. In addition, given that the nymph is the patroness of nature, she was responsible for the fertility of her territory, whether it be a field, a meadow or a tree.

Are they goddesses?

Nymphs belong to the spirits of nature. They, unlike the gods, are mortal. When a tree dies or the creek dries up, the nymph also dies. They are fragile and tender, like their mother nature. Therefore, the ancient people believed that a great punishment is waiting for someone who desecrates a river or pollutes the forest, he cuts down a tree.

Are their names known?

Initially, the nymphs did not have names. They were considered beautiful impersonal spirits. But over time, some of them were separated, to whom names were given, and they became associated with beautiful virgins. In addition, they were closely associated with the gods, and then even humanized. Sometimes the names of nymphs were adopted from the names of rivers and springs, whose patrons they were. The most famous of them are Siringa, Daphne, Kallipso and Echo. More details about them can be learned from the myths of ancient Hellas.