Nereid



Nerieds (Νηρηΐδες in Ancient Greek) are minor goddesses of the sea and aptrons for sailors and fishermen.

Description
In ancient Greek mythology, the Nereids are Haliad nymphs and thus minor goddesses of the sea. They were the patrons of sailors and fishermen, who came to the aid of men in distress, and goddesses who had in their care the sea's rich bounty. Individually they also represented various facets of the sea, from salty brine, to foam, sand, rocky shores, waves, and currents. This in addition to the various skills possessed by seamen. The nereids and their brother Nerites were the fifty daughters and only son of Nereus and Doris. They often accompany Poseidon and are always friendly and helpful towards sailors fighting perilous storms. They are particularly associated with the Aegean Sea, where they dwelt with their father in the depths within a silvery cave. The most notable of them are Thetis, wife of Peleus and mother of Achilles; Amphitrite, wife of Poseidon; and Galatea, love of the Cyclops Polyphemus. Their fresh-water 'sisters' are known as the Naiads.

The Lightning Thief
A Nereid from Poseidon's court helped Percy get to the Underworld by giving him Poseidon's Pearls. She appeared in the Mississippi for a short while, using the help of her sisters, the Naiads. She said that the water was too foul for her to stay there for long.

Nereids In Modern Times
In modern Greek folklore, the term "nereid" (νεράϊδα, neráïda) has come to be used of all nymphs, or fairies, not merely nymphs of the sea.

Difference Between the Naiads
Nereids are sea nymphs, but they are only used to sea water, unlike the Naiads that are fresh water nymphs. The Nereids serve in Poseidon's court while the Naiads do not.

Trivia

 * Nereid is a moon of Neptune. It was named after this species.
 * Amphitrite was the Nereid who married Poseidon and became the queen of the sea.
 * Thetis, the mother of Achilles is also a Nereid as well as their (unofficial) leader.
 * Together with the Tritones they formed the retinue of Poseidon.