#MythicalCreatureMonday – Dryad

This is a repeat post, but because I have included Dryads in my most recent works, I thought it would be handy to review what I had learned. You will be seeing them in my upcoming book, Twist of Fate, and the ladies will more than likely be making an appearance in the final book of the series.

Dryads are tied magically to trees and are minor and mortal goddesses that have extremely long life spans. The trees they are connected to are typically Oaks, however, they have been known to inhabit pine, ash, and laurel as well. If the tree dies, the Dryad can as well, and Goddess help the mortal that causes that! Mortals are punished until the make peace with the Dryad, which could be a little tough if said Dryad turned into a pile of ash while lying at the base of their tree. Not that I am saying that happened in the case of my current book… but don’t be surprised if it does.

The Dryad that is most notable in my memory is Eurydice who fell in love with Orpheus after he played beautiful music for her. After being bitten by a poisonous snake while attempting to avoid the advances of another, Eurydice died and Orpheus mourned her death. He traveled to the Underworld, putting Cerebus to sleep with his music, in order to meet with Hades and convince him to allow her to return to earth. Hades agreed, but with conditions, because you know how he rolls. Orpheus could not look back until he and Eurydice both reached the upper world, otherwise, she would not be permitted to leave. Everything was going great until they reached the threshold of the living, and Orpheus had a moment of doubt that caused him to look back behind him. Eurydice, who had not yet stepped over the threshold, was tragically pulled back into the Underworld, leaving Orpheus alone with his music, which was the only thing to keep him company in his grief.

If you want to learn more about Dryads, this is a great site that has everything Mythology! https://mythology.net/greek/greek-creatures/dryad/

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