Dryad

A dryad is a type of nymph or nature spirit in Greek mythology that lives in trees and takes the form of a beautiful young woman.

The word dryad comes from the Greek word drys, which means "oak".

Dryads were originally the spirits of oak trees specifically, but later the term was used for any tree nymph.

They were believed to have a close connection to their trees, and some of them, called hamadryads, were even bound to their trees.

If the tree died, the hamadryad would die as well.

Therefore, dryads and the Greek gods would punish anyone who harmed trees without first appeasing the tree-nymphs.

Dryads were usually shy and gentle creatures, except around the goddess Artemis, who was their friend and protector.

They often accompanied her in hunting and dancing.

Some dryads had special names and roles, depending on the type of tree they inhabited.

For example, the Meliae were the nymphs of the ash tree, the Daphnaie were the nymphs of the laurel tree, and the Hesperides were the guardians of the golden apples.

Dryads have appeared in many works of art and literature, such as the poetry of John Keats, the novels of Thomas Burnett Swann, and the paintings of Evelyn De Morgan.

They are often depicted as symbols of nature, beauty, and harmony.

A dryad is a type of nymph or nature spirit in Greek mythology that lives in trees and takes the form of a beautiful young woman.

They were originally associated with oak trees, but later the term was applied to any tree nymph.

Dryads were very shy creatures, except around the goddess Artemis, who was their friend.

A dryad's appearance may vary depending on the type of tree they inhabit, but generally they have features that reflect their natural surroundings.

For example, a dryad of an apple tree may have rosy cheeks and green eyes, while a dryad of a laurel tree may have dark hair and a wreath of leaves on her head.

Some dryads may also have animal traits, such as horns, ears, or tails, to indicate their connection to the forest.

These nymphes are often depicted as graceful and elegant, wearing simple dresses or tunics made of leaves, flowers, or vines.

They may also adorn themselves with jewelry or accessories made of natural materials, such as wood, stone, or feathers.

Dryads are usually barefoot, as they like to feel the earth beneath their feet.

Nymphes are very protective of their trees and the environment, and may punish anyone who harms them without proper respect.

They may also help or befriend those who are kind to nature, such as shepherds, hunters, or travelers.

Dryads are loyal to their fellow nymphs and the gods, especially Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Aphrodite, and Heracles.

Dryads are fantasy creatures that are inspired by the tree nymphs of Greek mythology.
They are usually depicted as beautiful women with features that resemble plants, such as leaves, flowers, vines, or bark.
Dryads have a strong connection to nature and often live in harmony with the forests and woodlands they inhabit.

Some of the characteristics of dryads are:

• They are fey, a type of creature that is magical and often associated with the Feywild, a plane of existence parallel to the natural world.
  Fey have a different outlook on life than most mortals, and often value beauty, freedom, and whimsy over logic, order, and duty.
• They are bound to a specific tree, usually an oak, that serves as their home and life source.
  If the tree is harmed or destroyed, the dryad suffers or dies as well.
  Dryads can communicate with their trees and other plants, and can sense the health and mood of the forest.
• They have the ability to charm or enthrall humanoids with their beauty and magic.
  They can also use their magic to manipulate plants, create illusions, or teleport between trees.
  Dryads are usually shy and peaceful, but they can be fierce and vengeful if their trees or forests are threatened.
• They have a close relationship with the goddess Artemis, who is the patron of nature, hunting, and virginity.
  Dryads often serve as her companions or followers, and share her values of independence, purity, and protection of wildlife.
  Dryads also worship other deities related to nature, such as Mielikki, Silvanus, or Corellon Larethian.
• They are mostly female, but there are some rare cases of male dryads.
  Male dryads are usually more aggressive and territorial than female dryads, and often serve as guardians or warriors for their forests.
  Male dryads are also more likely to mate with other races, such as elves or humans, while female dryads tend to remain celibate or only mate with other fey.