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Nymphs had been worshiped in Greece as early as the
"foundation of the 130 Cretan cities that we know of." There are
many classical Cretan inscriptions and stories about the Nymph influence
in the childhood, education and loves of the gods. Zeus, Apollo,
Hyacinthus, Artemis, Hermes, and Pan are considered divinities of the
waters and forests. The deities of vegetation were named according to
their region (Aphaea, Britomarpis, Daphne, etc...) or had very general
titles like Mother, Virgin or Nymph. The most common name on drinking cups
(also called libation tanks) from the 15th century BCE is Nupi (or Nopina)
with the word "wanakana" (the queen) accompanying it. These
particular cups, 30+ were found on the hills from which the springs
flowed. The name seems to indicate the Nymph of running waters or
"Queen of Running Waters." Nereids and Oceanids "presided
over the education of young warriors and became their spiritual and moral
mothers, as the goddess Thetis was for Achilles."
Water had a great deal of power and Fae Folk associated with
it. The Hydra of the Lernean Swamp and the birds of the Stymphalian Lake
(whom Hercules fought against) were found in limestone regions where, as
modern science now knows, malaria was frequently found. Bodies of waters
were commonly named after genies and nymphs (perhaps because they were
inhabitants): Amymone, Arethusa, Triton, and Persia.
Additional information on the fae folk of
water is available in the
Enchanted Waters section.
The Birth of the Giants & Nymphs
[this is the latter portion of the Greek
creation myth]
After Kronos castrates Ouranos on Gaea's behalf, he throws
the organ over his shoulder (without looking to avoid bad luck),
but several drops of blood fall upon Gaea thus impregnating her.
The organ falls into the body of water Pontus and is carried out
to sea (thus giving birth to Aphrodite). Ouranos placed a curse
on his children (of which Kronos is one) that would avenge the
deed: Gaea will give birth to 3 groups of children. The first is
the Erinyes who are in charge of the pursuit of vengeance and of
punishing those who commit crimes against their parents. The
remaining two groups are the Giants and the Nymphs of the ash
trees who are in charge of patronizing proofs of strength,
warlike enterprises and activities of combat. It is said that
after a long gestation in the womb, these groups will be born
and place themselves around the world on the day that Zeus is
capable of avenging Ouranos. This is to be done by forcing
Kronos to pay "the debt due to the Erinyes for his
father" which will lead to a battle that will unleash
itself on the divine world and be a test of powers that will
divine world and be a test of powers that will divide it against
itself.
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