Naiads

by Bob Fisher

 
The Naiads were nymphs of bodies of fresh water and were one of the three main classes of water nymphs – the others being the Nereids (nymphs of the Mediterranean Sea) and the Oceanids (nymphs of the oceans). The Naiads presided over rivers, streams, brooks, springs, fountains, lakes, ponds, wells, and marshes. They were divided into various subclasses: Crinaeae (fountains), Pegaeae (springs), Eleionomae (marshes), Potameides (rivers), and Limnades or Limnatides (lakes). Roman sources even assigned custody of the rivers of Hades to Naiads classified as Nymphae Infernae Paludis or the Avernales.

Chalchiuhtlicue

by Dr Anthony E. Smart

 
This Aztec Goddess, whose name means “jade skirt” or “lady precious gren”, was matron of lakes and streams. A personification of youthful beauty and ardour, Chalchiuhtlicue was represented as a river from which grew a prickly pear tree laden with fruit, symbolising the human heart. She ruled over all the waters of the earth; oceans, rivers, rain, etc., but was also associated with marriage. Her husband is Tlaloc, the god of rain.