Arethusa
nymphArethusa was a nymph of Artemis who was pursued by the river god Alpheus and transformed into a freshwater spring on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse.
The Myth
While bathing in the river Alpheus, the river god fell in love with Arethusa. She fled across the sea to Sicily, where Artemis transformed her into a spring. But Alpheus pursued even there, flowing under the sea from Greece to Syracuse to mingle his waters with hers. The Spring of Arethusa on Ortygia was one of Syracuse's most famous landmarks — it still flows today. The myth expressed the Greeks' wonder at freshwater springs appearing on coastal islands.
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Spring of Arethusa in Syracuse still flows today — freshwater emerging feet from the sea, just as the myth describes.
Explore Further
Artemis
godTwin sister of Apollo and goddess of the hunt. Artemis roamed the wild forests with her band of...
Nereus
godNereus was the ancient, benevolent sea god known as the Old Man of the Sea — truthful, wise,...
Oceanus
titanThe great Titan who personified the vast river believed to encircle the entire world. Father of all...
Alcyone
nymphAlcyone and her husband Ceyx called themselves Zeus and Hera; as punishment, both were transformed...
Amphitrite
nymphAmphitrite was the Nereid who became queen of the sea as Poseidon's wife.
Calliope
nymphCalliope was the chief of the nine Muses, presiding over epic poetry — she inspired Homer and was...