NEREID (sea nymph of the Greek myths)

The Nereids helped steer the Argo through dangerous waters at the summons of Hera.¹³ They circled the ship in ranks like dolphins, sporting with it as if playing with a ball while the Argonauts passed between the Wandering Rocks.⁹ Thetis informed the Nereids of Hera's commands, and they heard her from afar to gather together quickly.¹⁴ After fulfilling the behests of Zeus's spouse, they plunged beneath the sea depths and were quickly sent on their way to the Ausonian sea.^9,14 They carried golden armor from Hephaestus' anvil to Pelion and the glens at the foot of Ossa, departing from the headlands of Euboea.^15,16

Zeus promised Peleus a sea-bride selected from among the Nereids, and the group would escort him from the cave in the Sepian rock where he had carried Thetis off.^12,5,17 One of the Nereids married the son of Pelias.¹⁸ The sisters gathered around Thetis when she heard Achilles crying, beating their breasts in a collective act of mourning under her direction.^14,6 They felt joy when they saw Achilles' son moving toward the ship, and their presence filled a crystal cave.^19,6 They accompanied Thetis as she plunged into the sea, maintaining their bond as her sisters who obeyed her call.^20,14

Cassiepea claimed to be more beautiful than all the Nereids, and the group became angry at this boast.²¹ Poseidon shared the Nereids' wrath against Cassiepea, sending a flood and a monster.^21,12 In Ovid, they were described as incensed majesty who took Andromeda away from Phineus, saving her from certain death.²² The Nereids remained silent during the dispute over the golden apple, feeling they had no role in the company of the major goddesses.²³ They felt pity for the grieving mother of Crenaeus and carried his body to her, expressing deep sorrow for the child's death.^24,25 A Nereid questioned why the child fell from the ram while her brother did not, suggesting the mother should have prevented the fall.²⁵

Altars dedicated to the Nereids exist in various regions of Greece.²⁶ They performed graceful dances in maze-like formations and conducted dances with the famous ships during their journey.^27,28 They experienced the effects of love's darts within their deepest waves and were amazed by the submerged groves, cities, and houses they saw.^29,10 The Nereids rose from the water to participate in the wedding procession, clapping their hands while moving along with it.¹¹ They were dancing with flowing feet when Theseus arrived, and they cried out with joy when he emerged from the sea.²