Naiads

nymph

Ναϊάδες

Freshwater nymphs

Naiads presided over every spring, stream, river, lake, and fountain — their water held prophetic and healing powers.

The Myth

Drinking from their springs could grant inspiration or madness. Many oracles were at springs. Hylas, companion of Heracles, was pulled into a spring by enamoured naiads and never seen again. Local naiad cults were ubiquitous in Greece.

Parents

Various river gods

Children

Varied

Symbols

springwater jarreedsflowers

Fun Fact

The English word "nymph" for an insect's immature stage comes from these spirits.

Words We Inherited

English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:

naiad