Collection of Myths
This project brings to life the myths that came from the religions of the ancient world.
Many of the ancient myths were created to explain how things came to be , why certain events would happen on earth and it shaped their understanding of the world they lived in.
Not unlike many modern religions today.
At the root of this project, I want to show that at the root of all religions is just a collection of stories.
A collection of myths.
Naiad, from the Greek word naiein, “to flow”, these nymphs lived inflowing waters - springs, rivers, fountains and lakes. They where described as being beautiful, lighthearted, and beneficent. Although these creatures where considered to be deities and the daughter's of Potamoi the god of rivers, they were not immortal. It is said that if a water source where to dry up, it would kill all the nymphs that lived there.
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Nymphs where a very important part of the normal Greek people, since the Naiads where protectors of the water element, the people would go to where the waters flowed and leave offering to them to keep the nymphs in good spirits. At the same time, many prominent individuals and families would have their own fountain for one or more naiad(s).
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The Tales:
Many of the gods would chase after the Naiads in the hopes of bedding them.
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Halyas 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.
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The Darker Side:
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.