Nimfen

Nimfen is the Dutch plural noun for nimf, the mythological beings commonly known in English as nymphs. In Dutch language and folklore, nimfen refers to female nature spirits that inhabit and personify natural features such as rivers, trees, or mountains. The singular form is nimf, and the plural nimfen follows a regular Dutch plural pattern.

Etymology and scope: Nimf derives from the Latin nympha and the Greek nymphē, transmitted into Dutch through medieval and early modern contact with classical literature. In Dutch usage, nimfen covers the same broad category as nymphs in classical mythology, including various subtypes like water nymphs (naiads), tree nymphs (dryads), and mountain nymphs (oreads). They are typically portrayed as beautiful, immortal or semi-divine beings tied to a specific natural domain.

Cultural usage: In Dutch literature, folklore, and academic writing, nimfen appear as figures in retellings of classical myths and in discussions of European mythological traditions. They are not considered gods themselves but rather lesser divine or semi-divine spirits. The term also appears in translations of ancient texts and in modern fantasy fiction written in Dutch.

See also: Nymph, Nimf, Dutch folklore. Note that in English-language contexts, the corresponding term is usually "nymph," while Dutch texts use nimf for the singular and nimfen for the plural.