Nereida

Nereida, or Nereid in Greek mythology, is one of the fifty sea-nymph daughters of the sea god Nereus and the sea goddess Doris. The term derives from the Greek nereís, meaning sea nymph. Nereids are commonly portrayed as beautiful young women who inhabit the coastal waters of the Mediterranean and Aegean, sometimes riding dolphins or coral, and often assisting sailors in need.

In myth, the Nereids are generally benevolent figures, though not all play major roles. They are companions or attendants of Poseidon and frequently appear in maritime scenes. Two of the best known Nereids are Thetis, who becomes the mother of Achilles by Peleus, and Amphitrite, who becomes Poseidon’s wife. Other notable Nereids include Galatea, who features in tales of love such as the story of Acis and Galatea. The Nereids appear in Hesiod’s Theogony and Homeric epics, as well as later Roman adaptations, where they symbolize the generosity and capriciousness of the sea.

In art and literature, the Nereids have been depicted as idealized sea-nymphs, often among sea creatures, corals, and other maritime deities. The concept has influenced modern usage as a literary motif and as a feminine given name in several languages.