Ευρωπαϊκοί και ελληνικοί μύθοι για το νερό. Το νερό στην μυθολογία.

1. “W.A.T.E.R.- World's Attitude to the Treasure -
Environment and Responsibility” Erasmus+ 2018-1-LV01- KA229-
046949_5 mobility C3_ The Soul of Water– Chania- Greece
Mythology regarding water in
Greece and Europe

2.  Caves have always been protected places of
residence and work, shelters, secret places
of worship, and places of initiation. During
the Paleolithic and Neolithic times, caves
were used as places of protection and
survival of mankind. Due to their humidity
and aquatic style, they were used as special
places for worshiping gods, especially those
regarding water.

3.  Poseidon was god of the sea, earthquakes,
storms, and horses and is considered one of
the most bad-tempered, moody and greedy
Olympian gods. He is one of the children of
Cronus and Rhea, among Hades, Zeus,
Demeter, Hestia, Hera. Poseidon was most
notably the God of the sea and the protector of
all waters. And because of his influence on
waters, he was worshipped in connection with
navigation.

5.  Achelous was a god of the sea, but his true
origins are unknown. While Homer placed him
above all, making him the origin of all the
world’s fresh water, before the titan Oceanus,
Hesiod (a poet second to Homer), believed
Achelous was one of Oceanus children. He had
a monster-like form, having the body of a fish
instead of legs, bull horns and a running
waterfall for beard. His daughters were the
nymphs and the sirens.

6. Achelous against Hercules

7.  Nymphs are spirits, mainly daughters of gods
and titans. They sum up to 50 sisters,
granddaughters of the titan Oceanus. There are
3 types of Nymphs; The Nereids, nymphs of
fresh and salty waters(for instance sirens and
mermaids), the Oreads, nymphs of the
mountains(wild and aggressive) and the
Dryads, nymphs of the trees(shy and peaceful).
Due to their water powers, they brought water
to the world, thus flora and fauna could exist.

8. Nymphs

9. Dryad

10.  According to the myth, nereids lived underwater in their
father’s palace, filled with riches, treasures and golden
thrones. They had unimaginable beauty, that no other
mortal woman could ever have. They had melodious
voices and the power to control the sea at will. Nereids
represent the charm of the sea. They also accompanied
Poseidon, god of the sea and helped the Argonauts on
their quest for the golden fleece. Most known Nereids are
Thesis, mother of Achilles, and Amphitrite, wife of
Poseidon. Nowadays they are also referred to as water
fairies ("νεράιδες" in Greek originated from the word
"νερό", which translates to "water").Nereid is also a moon
of the planet Neptune named after the Nereids.

12.  In Celtic mythology we meet the Gwragedd
Annwn, also known as lake maidens. They lived
near lakes and rivers. Celtic mythology is filled
with legends and fairytales about men falling in
love with them, who later marry them. But, as
maidens are free spirits, they eventually get
released from their marriage. Especially Ireland,
known for its deep tradition with elves, is the
place where they go to seek protection. These
maidens can be seen sitting on the branches of
the trees, brushing their long green or golden
hair.

13. Gwragedd Annwn

14.  Unlike nymphs, Germans have Nixies, shape-
shifting creatures living in the rivers. Usually they
would appear as human-fish hybrids trying to lure
people into the waters and then drown them. A well-
known fairytale in Germany is the story of Lorelei, a
charming and beautiful woman accused of being a
witch. Her last wish before being executed was to
climb a huge rock to see the river Rhine. When she
got there, she jumped into the sea, only to be
transformed into a mermaid. In her memory, the
rock she jumped from at Sankt Goarshausen is
named after her.

16.  In Norse mythology we meet Fossegrim (foss=waterfall,
grim=face) also known as Grim in Norway or Strömkarlen
(= the Riverman) in Sweden. A water creature (appeared
as a troll) playing a music instrument similar to the violin,
the hardanger fiddle, traditional to Norway. It is said that
Forssegrim was able to play so spectacular that he would
mimic the sounds of the forest, the wind and the water.
Should anyone pleasantly feed this creature, it would
teach that person this magical instrument by rubbing their
right hand across the strings until it bleed. The student
then, would be able to play music, so fine that the trees
would dance and the waterfalls would stand still.

17. Forssegrim

18.  In Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, Rusalka has
Slavic heritage and she is a creature closely
related with water, nature and reproduction. In
Ukraine they are called Rusalki, they are naked
young girls with blond hair and eyes, that
escape their aquatic world to sing and dance at
rivers under the moon, trying to seduce
unsuspecting and suspecting mortal roaming
near. In Russia however, they appear as
daughters of the sea and whoever takes a
glimpse one of them is destined to die.

19. Rusalki