ancient Greeks believed in a variety of other deities and mysterious characters, as history tells us.Before them there is a certain pantheon of gods they worshiped beings, they believed that live in the forests, waters and mountains.In particular, the nymph - this, according to the Greeks, everything that represents the moving and growing in nature and gives life to plants and animals, be it a river, sea or tree grove.The image of these creatures is very romantic and gentle.Let's get acquainted with these mysterious inhabitants of the earth.
Who are they?
general nymph - a guardian of a particular natural object.So, for example, mollusk - the spirits of springs and streams, as well as the patron saint of all that lives in water.In another keeper of the waters called "mermaid nymph."Dryad - a tree of their representatives, who were born and died with the tree.Each cluster has its own tree forest nymph.His keepers had islands, valleys and mountains.
Where do they live?
beautiful nymph, as did the ancient Greeks, live in dark caves, where the streams begin their journey.Places of their appearance were sacred for the people, they were built beside the sanctuary where these creatures sacrifices.Moreover, these sources have useful medicinal properties, because of which the nymphs attributed the role of the god Asclepius companions, who had been endowed with the ability to heal people.
What are they remarkable?
Nymph - a great prophetess.So people believed in ancient times.Their abode, namely rivers and streams have been favorite places for divination.The rapid water flow wishing throwing plates with marks, and believes that the Council, indicated on the piece of wood that will not drown or be thrown out of the water, is a sign of the nymphs.In addition, in the old days it was the custom by which a person is accused of committing a specific crime, thrown into the river and watch further developments.If the test floated, then he is innocent, and he was acquitted nymphs.If a person has sunk, this meant that the river goddess have accomplished over them a fair trial.In addition, given the fact that the nymph - a patron of nature, she was responsible for the fertility of its territory, be it a field, meadow or wood.
Are they goddesses?
Nymphs are nature spirits.They, unlike gods, are mortal.When a tree dies or dry stream, and killed the nymph.They are fragile and delicate, like their mother nature.Therefore, the ancients believed that the great punishment awaits the one who defiles the river or pollute the forest, cut down the tree.
Do we know their names?
nymphs originally had names.They were considered excellent impersonal spirits.But with the passage of time given to some of them, which have been given names, and they have become associated with beautiful virgins.In addition, they are closely connected with the gods, and then even to humanize.Sometimes the names of nymphs takes over from the names of rivers and streams, whose Protecting they were.The most famous of them - it's Syrinx, Daphne, Calypso and Echo.More details about them can be found in the myths of ancient Greece.
