Nereids

Webster's Dictionary

(pl.) of Nereid

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

( Νηρεϊ v Δες ) was the name of the Greek seanymphs. They were fifty in number, and were daughters of Nereus, the old man of the sea. They were generally represented as very beautiful maidens, and sometimes as half woman and half fish. The Nereids were regarded as favorable to sailors. They were worshipped in several parts of Greece, but more especially in seaport towns.