dryad

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James Barry (1741-1806) painting title: The Education of Achilles, oil on canvas by James Barry, c. 1772; in the Yale Center for British Art, New Haven, Connecticut. 102.9 x 128.9 cm Alternate title: Chiron and Achilles

dryad

Greek mythology

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Theoi Greek Mythology - Dryad and Oreads

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Also known as: hamadryad

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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2024 • Article History

Category: History & Society

Also called:: hamadryad

Related Topics:: nymph

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dryad, in Greek mythology, a nymph or nature spirit who lives in trees and takes the form of a beautiful young woman. Dryads were originally the spirits of oak trees (drys: “oak”), but the name was later applied to all tree nymphs. It was believed that they lived only as long as the trees they inhabited.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Matt Stefon.