What is the meaning of the Greek word drys in relation to dryads?
The Greek word drys means tree and more specifically oak. A dryad is an oak tree nymph or oak tree spirit in ancient mythology.
Questions about Dryad
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How do hamadryads differ from other types of dryads regarding their lifespan?
Hamadryads were an integral part of their trees so if the tree died the associated hamadryad also died. Their fate was locked to the root system of the oak unlike other spirits who were supernaturally long-lived but not tied to a specific home.
Which individual dryads appear in Ovid's Metamorphoses book 9?
Dryope appeared in Ovid's Metamorphoses book 9 while Eurydice is listed among individual dryads or hamadryads. Phigalia and Tithorea appear in Pausanias' writings about specific locations instead.
Why did C. S. Lewis place dryads as inhabitants of Narnia in The Chronicles of Narnia?
C. S. Lewis placed dryads as inhabitants of Narnia in The Chronicles of Narnia because Telmarines felling trees forced them into deep sleep during Prince Caspian. Bacchus and Silenus awakened them when Aslan summoned aid against King Miraz.
What are some global parallels to Greek dryads found in other cultures?
Ghillie Dhu is a similar Scottish spirit found in folklore while Kodama are similar Japanese spirits associated with trees. Mavka is a similar Ukrainian spirit guarding forests and Querquetulanae were Roman nymphs of the oak tree.