Doto
Nereid sea nymph whose name means "the giver," representing the sea's generous bounty of fish and resources
The Myth of Doto
Doto appears in Hesiod's catalogue and also in other ancient sources as one of the more frequently mentioned Nereids. Her name derives from the Greek root meaning "to give," and she personified the sea's generosity — its gift of fish, shellfish, sponges, murex dye, and all the resources that coastal communities depended upon. She had an active cult presence: Pausanias records a shrine to her in the harbour of Gabala in Phoenicia. This is notable because most individual Nereids received no independent worship, making Doto one of the few with a documented cult. Her association with the sea's gifts made her a natural figure for fishermen and coastal traders to honour.
Parents
Nereus and Doris
Symbols
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🌿 nymphthe sea, islands
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🌿 nymphShorelines, coastal cliffs, headlands
Nereid sea nymph whose name means "of the shore," personifying the meeting place of sea and land
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🌿 nymphWaves, sea currents
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🌿 nymphGood gifts, generosity
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