Psamathewas one of the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris, the Nereids. She was the Nereid goddess of sand and sand beaches and the wife of Proteus, herder of seals.
TheNereids were fifty sea-nymph daughters of Nereus the old man of the sea. They were goddesses of the sea’s rich bounty and protectors of sailors and fishermen, coming to the aid of those in distress. Individually they represented various facets of the sea from the salty brine, to the sea foam, sand, rocks, waves and currents, as well as the various skills possessed by seamen. They were depicted in ancient art as beautiful, young maidens, sometimes running with small dolphins or fish in their hands, or else riding on the backs of dolphins, hippocamps and other sea creatures.
“The gifts of the gods” (image #5 in my “Quest for the Gorgon Head” series)
Part 5:
Perseus is guided to the coast where the “Nereids” (sea nymphs) offer sacred objects to assist the boy in his quest; winged sandals for flight, Hades’ helmet (or cap) of invisibility, and a knapsack called a “Kibisis” to hold the severed head of the Gorgon.
In ancient Greek art the Nereids are typically portrayed as long dressed maidens riding dolphins or Hippocampi (half-horse half-fish creatures) or even having lower fish bodies (aka the mythic precursors to mermaids). The Nereids were known to help sailors in distress, and some mortals on mythic quests, such as Thetis, Achilles mother, who delivered Hephaestus’ sacred armor to her son, Achilles at Troy. The Nereids also famously assisted Jason in his search for the Golden Fleece. The sea nymphs had a darker side as well, when they and Poseidon send a sea monster to ravage the coast of a kingdom, which will intertwine with Perseus’ Myth soon.
Above right, Hermes, to behead Medusa, offers a sickle sword of “Adamantine” which was said to be an indestructible, diamond like metal. Athena offers a shimmering, bronze shield, so that Perseus might use it as a mirror and avoid looking directly into the Gorgon’s eyes. So, now with his sacred boons attained, Perseus is now ready to fly to the land beyond Oceanus, to the cursed land of the gorgons to take the head of Medusa.
What do you guys think of the Nereides? Are they allies or enemies to mortals?
And can you think of other examples of gods or deities giving mortals weapons or tolls for sacred quests in greek mythology?
Coming next…into the gorgon lair for the beheading of medusa!!!
in my olympians series) Hephaestus, god of metal and weapon smithing, craftsmanship, and fire. I love this god because he doesn't have the overwhelming majesty, and the arrogance that comes along with it. He feels more human to me. Born with a lame leg, and described as ugly, he presents a much more humble appearance. But he shines in the ingenuity department, crafting marvelous weapons, tools, and traps with his sacred objects; his golden hammer and tongs.
I made his hair and beard orange for his connection with fire, but his skin is a pale blue from being stuck in his palace forge cave on Olympus. ALL of the crafted items in the image are from specific myths. Care to take a guess?
1.) armor and shield (bonus points for the visitors watching) 2.) throne 3.) woman figure 4.) winged boots and hat 5.) chariot 6.) golden net
Thanks for reading! And if you see an opportunity to share this art I would appreciate it! Xoxo
After Ares, I thought it only appropriate to go in the opposite direction and design Aphrodite; goddess of love, pleasure, and fertility. We’ve all seen her depictions coming out of the sea spray on a scallop shell, born from the ocean (and from ouranus’ severed male penis which was cast down into the sea by cronus.)
But I chose to put her lounging at the base of a serene waterfall. It still references her water roots, but it isn’t depicting her birth, per se. She reclines on a swan (early depictions in ancient Greek art show her riding a swan, a symbol of grace and divinity) and underneath is the scallop shell. Aphrodite holds her sacred golden apple in her hand. (the one she won by Paris choosing her in the beauty contest between her, Athena, and Hera.) Upon her head is a golden crown, but more importantly, is her real sacred object; her golden chastity belt, which was said to invoke lust in gods and mortals alike.
Aphrodite’s entourage: Resting upon her arm, is EROS, the winged godling and her companion, (later becoming cupid in roman culture) who whispers sweet sensualities, while a couple EROTES (more winged godlings associated with sex and love) flitter above tossing flower petals. Frolicking at the lower left are three goddesses, the CHARITES (or Graces) who symbolize beauty, dancing and banquets. Swimming atop a dolphin is a NEREID, a reference to Aphrodite’s oceanic roots. and finally, Above right, near the waterfall, are three more goddesses, the HORAI, who represent the seasonal shifts and constellations.
This one was a challenge but super fun to do! Now… on to the next one! :D if you lo like the work I’m posting, please share it if possible, as it helps me get exposure.
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Poseidon Cometh! heheh. this one was super fun to do. I wanted to make it feel like the storm was coming with his arrival. As always, we’ve got some visual symbols in here. Ill list them for your guessing pleasure.
Poseidon Cometh! heheh. this one was super fun to do. I wanted to make it feel like the storm was coming with his arrival. As always, we’ve got some visual symbols in here. Ill list them for your guessing pleasure.
