In Hellenic Religion, the Naiads (/ˈnaɪædz, ˈneɪædz, -ədz/; Greek: Ναϊάδες, translit. naïádes) are a type of female spirit, or nymph, presiding over and protecting fountains, wells, springs, streams, brooks and other bodies of fresh water.
They are distinct from River Gods, who embodied rivers, and the very ancient spirits that inhabited the still waters of marshes, ponds and lagoon-lakes such as pre-Mycenaean Lerna in the Argolis.
The Naiads are classified depending on Their domain:
The Crinaeae – The Naiad Nymphs of fountains and wells
The Limnades (or the Limnatides) – The Naiad Nymphs of lakes
The Pegaeae – The Naiad Nymphs of springs
The Potameides – The Naiad Nymphs of rivers
The Eleionomae – The Naiad Nymphs of wetlands
As with all Nymphs, the Naiads are depicted as beautiful maidens; often shown with a pitcher, as the Naiads are thought to carry water for their parents.
Though creatures from a different realm than the human one, Naiads are not necessarily considered to be immortal, for they live and die alongside their water source; so if a spring dries up, the associated Naiad perishes with it. It is also believed that Naiads have a finite lifespan, although Plutarch did suggest that this lifespan was 9720 years.
Apart from the bringing forth of water, Naiads are also protectors of young maidens; additionally, Their waters are often able to heal or help in prophecy. One of the important Pegaeae,(spring Naiads) , is Cassotis, a Naiad from the spring located at Delphi, one of the most significant Oracles in all of antiquity.
WORSHIP OF NAIADS
Due to their connection to one of the most essential elements for life and prosperity, the fresh water, the Naiads were often the object of archaic local cults, worshipped by humans. Boys and girls at coming-of-age ceremonies dedicated their childish locks to the local Naiad of the spring. In places like Lerna their waters' ritual cleansings were credited with magical medical properties. Also, the Naiads of island springs, like Aegina and Salamis,were extremely important to the Ancient Greeks,along with the Naiads of town fountains and wells, like Thebe and Thespia. These Naiads, as well as giving Their names to the regions themselves, were also considered to be very reason why people could live where they did.
TALES OF NAIADS IN HELLENIC RELIGION
Generally speaking, the Naiads are not considered to be the most helpful of NAymphs in Greek mythology, for They could be vengeful when angered; indeed, the Eleionomae, Naiads of wetlands, did not need a reason to be vengeful, and would simply cause individuals to become lost in the swamps.However, we need to bear in mind that Their abodes were fragile and often susceptible to human abuse. Therefore, having a fierce temperament is an essential personality trait when you try to protect a resource desired by all humans, due to necessity.
The Gods and the Naiads
Many Gods of the Hellenic Pantheon would chase after Naiads, and the lovers of Apollo included Cyrene, Daphne and Sinope, whilst Zeus was a lover of Aegina, Poseidon joined with Salamis, and Hades lusted after Minthe.
In one version of the story of the Charites, the Graces, these three maidens were born after a relationship between Helios and the most beautiful of all Naiads, Aegle.
As the same time though, many prominent individuals in Ancient Greece, and families, would have a family tree that included one or more Naiad.
Famous Naiad Stories
An example of the vengeful nature of the Naiads comes from the story of Daphnis and Nomia. Daphnis was a shepherd on Sicily, and the Naiad Nomia fell in love with him. She was faithful to him, but Daphnis was deliberately intoxicated by a princess on Sicily, so that she could seduce him. When Nomia found out, she blinded Daphnis.
Hylas and the Naiads
Probably the most famous tale of the Naiads concerns the Mysian Naiads of the spring of Pegae in Bithynia. The Argo stopped off in Bithynia when the Argonauts made their way to Colchis. The three Naiads, Euneica, Malis and Nycheia, observed Hylas amongst the Argonauts and kidnapped him.
The Argo would sail on without him, and the ship would also leave behind Heracles who vowed to search for his friend Hylas. Heracles did not find Hylas, but whether Hylas wanted to be found is questionable. Some say he had fallen in love with the Naiads, and stayed with them forever more.
Arethusa
Another famous Naiad, who went beyond Greece is Arethusa (Greek: Ἀρέθουσα). She is a Nymph who fled from Her home in Arcadia beneath the sea and came up as a fresh water fountain on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, Sicily. She is the patron figure of Syracuse and Her depiction in ancient Greek coins of the region is one of the most beautiful ones.
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Silver decadrachm of Arethusa, minted in Syracuse, Sicily (405–400 BCE)
The Naiads have been honoured and respected by the Ancient Greeks as the Guardians of all regions that involve fresh water, the essence of life, agriculture and prosperity.
Edited from : Wikipedia, greeklegendsandmyths.com
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