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The Nymphs were young goddesses of Nature-the sea, the land and the woods
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Three Nymphs proceeding to the left. On the left, an altar and a tree. Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, Greece
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Who were the Nymphs?
The Nymphs were the daughters of Zeus, the King of the gods. They ranged over beautiful groves and dwelled near springs, in mountains through which rivers flowed and in woods.
What types of Nymphs existed?
There were Celestial Nymphs, Sea Nymphs, Land Nymphs , Wood Nymphs and Underworld Nymphs in Greek mythology.
The Role of the Nymphs
Because of their close connection to water, a fertilizing element, the Nymphs were worshiped as daemons of fertility and vegetation.The nymphs protected the plants and animals and were also playing the role of nurses who occasionally raised human beings.
Everyday life of the Nymphs
The Nymphs were joining the Greek gods Artemis and Apollo and also Acheloos, the river god, and were playing with them. However, most of all, the Nymphs enjoyed playing with Hermes, the messenger of the gods and Hermes' son, the Satyr Pan.
 According to the Odyssey, the ancient Greeks also used the word 'Nymph' to describe a mortal woman who was recently married.
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Famous Nymphs in Greek Mythology |
Callisto
the companion of Artemis
Calypso
the capturer of Odysseus
Daphne
the personification of the laurel tree
Echo
the Nymph of steady reply
| Io
the priestess of Hera in Argos
Pitys
the personification of the pine
Syrinx
the Inspiration for Melody
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