Nymph, << nihmf >>, was a lovely maiden of Greek and Roman mythology who guarded the different realms of nature. Oreads watched over the hills and mountains, and Nereids kept watch over the Mediterranean Sea. The naiads were the nymphs of the rivers, brooks, and streams. The ocean was protected by the Oceanids. The dryads and hamadryads took care of the trees and forests.
Many of the naiads watched over springs that were believed to inspire those who drank their waters. The naiads were thought to have powers to prophesy and to inspire people. The oreads were also known by names that came from the particular hills or mountains where they lived.
Nymphs were sometimes shy. But at other times, they were passionate lovers. They were generally friendly and kind to mortals but occasionally punished people who offended them. Nymphs are represented with fauns and satyrs in the forest, or playing around the keels of ships. Nymphs lived for a long time, but they were not usually considered immortal.
