DryadHawkins





= = **‍What is a Dryad?** Dryads are tree nymphs, mainly of the oak tree. They are c onsidered to be very shy creatures, except around the goddess Artemis who is was known to be their friend. Dryads, like all nymphs, were long-lived, but some were a step beyond most nymphs. They were the hamadryads who were part of their trees that they belonged to, so if their tree died, the hamadryad associated with it died as well. They are all female and usually have long hair. Dryads are presented as part of the tree in most pictures and are also portrayed as beautiful creatures. [] [] []

** Mythological Stories ** Eurydice was a dryad, or tree nymph **,** who became the bride of Orpheus, a legendary hero known for his musical skills. While walking in the countryside one day soon after their wedding, Eurydice met Aristaeus, the son of the god Apollo. Aristaeus tried to seize her. Eurydice fled but was bitten by a poisonous snake and died. Overcome with grief at his wife's death, Orpheus decided to go to the underworld and bring her back. Orpheus gained entrance to the underworld by charming its guardians with his singing and playing of the lyre. The beauty of his music persuaded Hades, the ruler of the underworld, to allow Eurydice to return to the world of the living, but Hades made one condition. Orpheus and Eurydice must not look back as they left his realm. The couple set out on the long, difficult journey back to earth. Toward the end of their trip, just as the darkness of the underworld gave way to the light of earth, Orpheus turned back to Eurydice to share his joy with her. But as he looked at her, Eurydice disappeared, returning to the underworld forever.
 * __ Eurydice and Orpheus __**

‍ __ Daphne and Apollo __
The dryad daughter of Peneus, Daphne, was just minding her own business. She was probably just cavorting in the fields with her friends. They were probably doing things that dryads normally would do. It was a lovely day in Greece. And then, the sun grew hotter and began to shine much brighter. And then Apollo was there and he wanted to speak to Daphne. The other dryads rushed away in fear. They all were aware of Apollo Helios' temperament. At one moment he could be kind and charming and amiable and other times he can be harsh and cruel and brash. Alone, Apollo professed his love for Daphne, as the gods of Greece are wont to do. Daphne looked at the god straight in the eyes and suddenly she felt a seething pain. No. She does not love him back. She refuses the god's profession of love. Apollo is angered. He will take what is not freely given. Daphne runs and the sun god follows after her. The chase would be swift. No dryad or any nymph for that matter has escaped the advances of the gods. As she neared the river, she called upon her father, the river god Peneus and asked for protection. Tearfully, Peneus was forced to protect his daughter the only way that had struck him at that moment. He turned her into a tree. Daphne, meaning 'Laurel' had become a Laurel tree, as was named by Apollo and has been made sacred by his official decree.

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