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Explore mythology and art with information about the classic stories of heroes and gods...from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, to the legends of the Celts. Mythography presents resources and reference materials about mythology - including recommended books, and lexicons that explain Greek, Roman, and Celtic terms.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

Aphrodite in Art
Aphrodite in Myth
Art Themes

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Nereids in Myth
Nereids were nymphs of the sea in Greek mythology. The ancient Greek poet Hesiod states that the Nereids were the daughters of Nereus (a sea god) and Doris (an Oceanid). In addition, the poet claims that there were fifty of these nymphs. Other sources (such as Homer's Iliad) indicate that the Nereids lived with their father in the sea.

Hesiod's Theogony is also our source for the names of the Nereids. This poem, which is devoted to describing the birth of the Greek gods and goddesses, features a beautiful passage that lists these sea-nymphs:

"Proto, Eukrante, Amphitrite, and Sao,
Eudora, Thetis, Galene, and Glauke,
Kymothoe, Speio, Thoe, and lovely Halia,
Pasithea, Erato, and Eunike of the rosy arms,
graceful Melite, Eulimene, and Agaue,
Doto, Proto, Pherousa, and Dynamene,
Nesaia, Aktaia, and Protomedeia,
Doris, Panope, and beautiful Galatea,
Hippothoe the lovely and Hipponoe of the rosy arms,
Kymodoke, who, with Kymatolege and Amphitrite
the fair-ankled, easily calms the waves
in the misty sea and the gusts of stormy winds,
Kymo, Eione, and fair-wreathed Halimede,
laughter-loving Glaukonome and Pontoporeia,
Leiagora, Euagora, and Laomedeia,
Poulynoe, Autonoe, and Lysianassa,
Euarne of the lovely body and unblemished face,
Psamathe of the graceful build, and splendid Menippe,
Nesso, Eupompe, Themisto, and Pronoe,
and Nemertes, whose mind is like that of her father.
These were the daughters born to blameless Nereus,
fifty of them, all wise in deeds of perfection."

There are quite a few recognizable names on this list. And indeed, many of these sea-nymphs did play important parts in mythology. Some notable Nereids are Amphitrite, Galatea, Psamathe, and Thetis.

Nereids in Art
Gallery | for pictures and information about the Nereids in art, visit the Mythography gallery!

Who's Who in Classical Mythology This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters from Classical myth and legend.	Bulfinch's Mythology The stories of Classical myth come to life in Bulfinch's book. This edition also features legends from other cultures.	Mythography Forums Do you have a specific question about Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology? Then try the Mythography forum!