Nymph is known as the deity that inhabits lakes, forests, forests, rivers, mountains and other natural environments, according to Greek mythology.
Nymphs are the embodiment of nature's fertility and, for this reason, they are always represented by female beings.
According to Greek mythology, nymphs are classified into different classes, according to the environment where they live and their habits. Some of the best known types of nymphs are:
- Napeias: personification of the valleys;
- Oceanides: daughters of the Titan Ocean, they inhabit salt water;
- Dryads: typical of oak forests;
- Alseides: personification of groves and woods;
- Nereids: daughters of Nereus, associated with the Mediterranean Sea (calm and coastal waters);
- Oreads: mountain nymphs;
- Muses: daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne;
- Khione: snow nymph;
- Naiads: freshwater nymphs;
- Auras: nymphs of the breezes;
- Antriads: nymphs of caves and grottos.
There are several other classifications of nymphs that, according to Greek mythology, represent the personification of particular elements of nature.
Unlike the gods, nymphs are not immortal creatures, but they could live for millennia, always keeping their youthful and beautiful appearance.
In the accounts of Greek poets and artists, nymphs are always described as young women who wear light or transparent dresses, with long hair, whether loose or in braids.
You satyrs – beings of nature who are half man and half goat – are described as the sexual partners of nymphs, especially the Maenads, known to be savages and followers of the god Dionysus.
Etymologically, the word nymph is derived from the Greek nymphê, which means “bride”.
In Brazil, the word "nymph" is still used as a slang, a reference to the term "nymphet", which in turn means a young female who is sensual and sexually attractive.
Learn more about meaning of Greek Mythology.
From the point of view of biology, nymphs are some insect forms in the immature stage in an incomplete process of metamorphosis.
In this case, however, the nymphs do not go through the pupal stage, like insects with complete metamorphosis, passing from the nymph stage directly to the adult form.
Among some species of insects that present the nymph stage are: crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, mites, praying mantis, among others.
Learn more about Metamorphosis.