Nymphs. The nymphs of ancient fiction were viewed as holding a sort of intermediate place between men and gods, as to the duration of life; not being absolutely immortal, yet living a vast length of time. Oceanus was considered as their common father, although the descent of different nymphs is given differently. Their usual residence was in grottoes or water-caves. Their particular offices were different, and they were distinguished by various names according to the several objects of their patronage, or the regions in which they chiefly resided. Thus there were the "Oreades," or nymphs of the mountains; "Naiades," "Nereides," and "Potamides" nymphs of the fountains, seas, and rivers; "Dryades" and "Hamadryades," nymphs of the woods; "Napaeae," nymphs of the vales.

---