"Nymphs (Greek plural: nymphai) are mythological nature spirits that appear as beautiful young women. Etymologically, the word nymph is related to the Greek word for bride. Nymphs are often shown as lovers of gods and heroes or as their mothers. They can be nurturing, as the Nymphs of Nysa were to Dionysus when he was young, or to Hephaestus, when he was tossed off Olympus and landed in Lemnos, where Nereids Eurynome and Thetis tended him. Thetis also helped Zeus and Dionysus when they were in trouble.

Although long-lived, many nymphs can die. Nymphs can cause metamorphoses (Greek for changing shape, usually into plants or animals, as in the novel by Kafka and the book of mythology by Ovid). Women can also be changed into nymphs."¹

"Although, like angels, they are spiritual beings somewhat below Godly status, the Nymphs are not immortal. They just live for a very long time. A Tree Nymph lives as long as her tree, and a River Nymph likewise.

Although some are the daughters of specific Gods, most of the Nymphs have no easily defined parentage. They mostly seem to be young human ladies who have fallen into rivers or been accidentally slain by passing heroes."²