The Dryads

From Greek mythology come the Dryads – female nymphs or tree spirits. Like all nymphs, Dryads lead supernaturally long lives and are tied to a particular tree or locale. Hamadryads are specifically linked to one tree only, and when that tree dies they do too. The word Dryad comes from the Greek drys, meaning oak, so Dryads were originally oak tree nymphs but the name has now come to mean any tree nymph. The Dryads will punish any who harm their beloved trees, but from time to time they would also marry a mortal. Many Dryads also began their lives as mortals but became Dryads at the will of one of the Greek Gods or Goddesses (often to escape the amorous attentions of another God!).

Art by Debra of Garden Beguiled

Filed under Faerylore |