Nymph. A nymph in ancient Greek folklore is a supernatural being associated with many other minor female deities that are often associated with the air, seas, woods, water or particular locations or landforms.
Different from Greek goddesses, nymphs are generally regarded as divine spirits who animate or maintain Nature for the environments where they live, and are usually depicted as beautiful, young, and graceful maidens. They were not necessarily immortal, but lived many years before they died.
They are often divided into various broad subgroups, such as the Meliae, the Naiads, the Nereids, and the Oreads. Nymphs often feature in many classic works of art, literature, mythology and in fiction.
Since medieval times, nymphs are sometimes popularly associated, or even confused, with the mythical or spiritual fairies. The Greek word has the primary meaning of young woman; bride, young wife but is not usually associated with deities in particular.
Yet the etymology of the noun remains uncertain. The Doric and Aeolic form is. Modern usage more often applies to young women at the peak of their attractiveness, contrasting with parthenos a virgin, and generically as kore maiden, girl. The term is sometimes used by women to address each other and remains the regular Modern Greek term for bride. Nymphs were sometimes beloved by many and dwell in most specific areas related to the natural envir
Different from Greek goddesses, nymphs are generally regarded as divine spirits who animate or maintain Nature for the environments where they live, and are usually depicted as beautiful, young, and graceful maidens. They were not necessarily immortal, but lived many years before they died.
They are often divided into various broad subgroups, such as the Meliae, the Naiads, the Nereids, and the Oreads. Nymphs often feature in many classic works of art, literature, mythology and in fiction.
Since medieval times, nymphs are sometimes popularly associated, or even confused, with the mythical or spiritual fairies. The Greek word has the primary meaning of young woman; bride, young wife but is not usually associated with deities in particular.
Yet the etymology of the noun remains uncertain. The Doric and Aeolic form is. Modern usage more often applies to young women at the peak of their attractiveness, contrasting with parthenos a virgin, and generically as kore maiden, girl. The term is sometimes used by women to address each other and remains the regular Modern Greek term for bride. Nymphs were sometimes beloved by many and dwell in most specific areas related to the natural envir
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