These are protective tree Nymphs who are bound to their own specific tree and look after it. This doesn’t mean they have to remain rooted to the spot and grow bark; they do get to frolic in the forest.

Most Dryads are very shy — and terribly nervous of straying too far from the safety of their tree. But when Artemis comes along, they abandon all fears and join her hunting expeditions.

Not quite immortal, Dryads live as long as their tree does, which can be a very long time. But when it dies, they perish too — so if you cut down a tree you may hear its spirit screaming. (We strongly advise you to have a very good reason or revenge will be swift. And make sure you apologize first!)

There are many kinds of Dryads, each associated with a different species of tree. They include the Daphnaie (Laurel Trees), the Hamadryads (Oak Trees), the Meliae (Ash and Fruit Trees) and the Oreads (Mountain Pine Trees).

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Article last revised on November 20, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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