Oceanids
The Oceanids weren’t just river nymphs; they were the embodiment of the world’s fresh water in all its forms. Daughters of Oceanus, the vast titan who presided over all freshwater sources, they extended their influence far beyond rivers and streams. From the billowing Nephelae, cloud nymphs who brought rain, to the playful Aurae, nymphs of the breeze, they ensured the delicate balance of the water cycle that sustained all life.
Symbols: Water pitcher
Parents: Oceanus and Tethys
The eldest Oceanids held a unique position within their vast family. Unlike their younger sisters, these formidable figures were counted among the Titans – the first generation of powerful beings who ruled before the Olympians. Styx, the eldest, personified the river of oaths in the Underworld. Dione, another Titan, became the mother of Aphrodite. Metis, the cunning Titan, was the first wife of Zeus. The remaining eldest Oceanids, Clymene, Eurynome, Doris, Electra, and Pleione, all bore the mark of their lineage, wielding immense power and influence.
Beyond their individual domains, some Oceanids served as companions to the Olympian goddesses. These nymphs, like the sixty who attended Artemis the huntress, offered unwavering support and loyalty. Peitho, the goddess of persuasion, even had her own Oceanid handmaiden, highlighting the importance of these nymphs in the divine courts.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 