In Greek mythology a nymph is any member of a large class of female nature entities, either bound to a particular location or landform or joining the retinue of a god or goddess. Nymphs were the frequent target of lusty satyrs.
They are frequently associated with the superior divinities, the huntress Artemis, the prophetic Apollo, the reveller and god of trees Dionysus, and with rustic gods such as Pan and Hermes (as the god of shepherds).
The symbolic marriage with a nymph of a patriarchal leader, often the eponym of a people, is repeated endlessly in Greek origin myths; clearly such a union lent authority to the archaic king and to his line.
There are three classes of Nymphs, based upon the the entity location or landform to which they are bound. Land Nymphs, Water Nymphs, and Wood Nymphs.
The home of the nymphs is on mountains and in groves, by springs and rivers, in valleys and cool grottoes.
