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Dryad

Tree Nymph of Greek Mythology

Dryads are tree nymphs from Greek mythology, originally specific to oak trees (drys) before becoming general spirits of all trees. Each dryad's life is bound to her tree — when the tree dies, so does she. Featured in Hesiod's Works and Days and Ovid's Metamorphoses, dryads embody peaceful nature and test those who venture into their forests.

Origin

Dryads are nymphs of trees in Greek mythology. Originally referring to spirits of the oak (δρῦς, drys), the term later expanded to encompass spirits of all trees. They appear from the time of Homer and Hesiod, personifying the divinity of forests.

Features

Beautiful feminine form
Inhabit trees and age along with them
Skilled in music, dance, and song
Fiercely protect their tree
Sometimes become lovers of gods and heroes

Stories

Personify the divinity of forests and trees in Greek myth — symbols of natural conservation, perennial subjects of poetry and art, and recurring characters in modern fantasy literature and games.

Weakness

Perish with the tree they inhabit. While ordinary dryads are not bound to a single tree forever, they grow weaker as their species dwindles.