You are here:

1. » Home
2. » Areas
3. » Mythology
4. » Europe
5. » Greek mythology
6. » Dryads

Cite/print/rate article
Send comment    References

by Micha F. Lindemans

In Greek mythology, the dryads are female spirits of nature (nymphs), who preside over the groves and forests. Each one is born with a certain tree over which she watches. A dryad either lives in a tree, in which case she is called a hamadryad, or close to it. The lives of the dryads are connected with that of the trees; should the tree perish, then she dies with it. If this is caused by a mortal, the gods will punish him for that deed. The dryads themselves will also punish any thoughtless mortal who would somehow injure the trees.