Nymphs (Indo-European mythology)
Script error: No such module "Draft topics".
Script error: No such module "AfC topic".
| Nymphs | |
|---|---|
| Lua error in Module:WikidataIB at line 665: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). Painting of Nymphs, the most culturally iconic descendant of the Indo European Nymphs | |
| Equivalents | |
| Greek equivalent | Nymphs, Naiads |
| Norse equivalent | Huldra |
| Slavic equivalent | Vila |
| Hinduism equivalent | Apsara |
| Breton equivalent | Korrigan |
| Iranian equivalent | Ahurani |
Nymphs were a group of creatures in Proto-Indo-European mythology. Although their name cannot be reconstructed based on available linguistic evidence, they are portrayed in many different Indo-European traditions with comparable motifs.[1][2] According to scholar Martin L. West, it is very likely that Proto-Indo-European beliefs featured some sorts of beautiful and sometimes dangerous water goddesses who seduced mortal men, akin to the Greek naiads, the nymphs of fresh waters.[1]
Descendant creatures[edit]
- Vedic Apsarás (India): The Vedic Apsarás are said to frequent forest lakes, rivers, trees, and mountains. They are of outstanding beauty, and Indra sends them to lure men.[3]
- Donbettyr's Daughters (Ossetia): In Ossetic mythology, the waters are ruled by Donbettyr ("Water-Peter"), who has daughters of extraordinary beauty and with golden hair.[3]
- Parik (Armenia): In Armenian folklore, the Parik take the form of beautiful women who dance amid nature.[3]
- Víly (Slavic cultures): The Slavonic water nymphs víly are depicted as alluring maidens with long golden or green hair who like young men and can do harm if they feel offended[3].
- Perit and Zana (Albania): The Albanian mountain nymphs, Perit and Zana, are portrayed as beautiful but also dangerous creatures. Similar to the Baltic nymph-like Laumes, they have the habit of abducting children.[4]
- Laumes (Baltic cultures): The beautiful and long-haired Laumes have sexual relations and short-lived marriages with men.[4]
- Korrigans (Breton): The Breton Korrigans are irresistible creatures with golden hair wooing mortal men and causing them to perish for love.[4]
- Huldra (Norse mythology): The Norse Huldra can also be regarded as a reflex of the water nymphs.[5]
- Ahuraīnīs (Iranian): Iranian Ahuraīnīs can likewise be regarded as reflexes of the water nymphs.[5]
- Eliyãna (Lycian): The Lycian Eliyãna can similarly be considered as a reflex of the water nymphs.[5]
References[edit]
Bibliography[edit]
- West, Martin L. (2007). Indo-European Poetry and Myth. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-928075-9. Search this book on
This article "Nymphs (Indo-European mythology)" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Nymphs (Indo-European mythology). Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
