I'm planning on including Nereids, Oceanids and other sea-nymphs in a romantcism painting I'm doing for one of my BFA projects. The problem is, I've done some research, and I can't seem to find that much detailed descriptions of them. So, for those of you who are more knowledgeable and have read official mythology-related literature (it would be very helpful if you list your resources as well), please, I would love to hear what you know.
What did they look like? what about their skin tone, hair color, eye color? did they wear certain garments or any specific clothing in particular? any other attributes that accompanied them and their appearance?
2006-09-15 10:39:50 · 9 answers · asked by NereidoftheBlue 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Your imagination is the answer...
2006-09-18 11:18:25 · answer #1 · answered by hunterman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anything you want them to--they are mythical. So make up something.
Seriously, go with common themes and styles for the period of time which you are representing. On the pottery and frescos of ancient sites we have such 'special' creatures represented that have very common characteristics, except that some parts are not common to that particular creature, like fins, tails, fangs, etc. It had to be something recognizeable to the people of the time, so your setting defines things like styles, realism in flesh tones and various features (human facial shape, fish or feline eyes for instance) that bring reality along with a jarring cognitive dissonance, this will work. Draw a human, draw an animal in the same pose and setting, then morph their features. You'll be a hit.
(Then post a link rephrasing the above question with the question, will this work? I'd love to see the results)
2006-09-15 10:49:37 · answer #2 · answered by Rabbit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beautiful (and in those times that did NOT mean skinny) naked girls, sometimes trailing white veils/cloths, there are a Botticelli paintings "the birth of Venus" and Raphael's"(he wedding of) Galathea" where nereids are portrayed. The Greeks and Romans had the female sea spirits nearly always in human shape, the males had fish or serpent tails.
2006-09-15 12:56:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
whatever your imagination tells you. i am pretty sure that there isnt a "set" look for them. for me nereids and sea nymphs look pretty much like mermaids. as with most mythological creatures, nymphs have always been very beautiful, considering the fact that how many gods and mortals fell in love with them. thats how ive always pictured them.
2006-09-15 11:27:52 · answer #4 · answered by moonshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not like this author, however this paticular book has shown to be accurate on most accounts.
Edian McCoy
A Witches Guide to the Fearie Folk.
gives pretty accurate descriptions of the fae and the folkloric tales that surround them.
most of the female ocean fey look like very attractive human females. and have the purpose of lureing men to their deaths in the ocean depths.
2006-09-15 10:49:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love greek myths and the nymphs are like mermaids
2006-09-15 13:08:41 · answer #6 · answered by AYU 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My vote is for naked women with green or blue hair. Think anime style with huge eyes and tiny mouths.
2006-09-15 15:28:44 · answer #7 · answered by brickity hussein brack 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
think an early Britney Spears or Brooke Shields look
2006-09-15 12:00:27 · answer #8 · answered by Pablo 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Enjoy reading!
And looking!
2006-09-15 11:12:58 · answer #9 · answered by Ylia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋