AIGAIIDES

THE AIGAIIDES (Aegaeides) were Naiad-nymph of the River Aigaios (Aegaeus) in Skheria (Scheria)--the mythical island home of the Phaiakes (Phaeacians).

Skheria was sometimes identified with Korkyra (Corcyra) on the north-western coast of Greece.

PARENTS

AIGAIOS (Apollonius Rhodius Argonautica 4.1141)

CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES

Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 4. 1141 ff (trans. Rieu) (Greek epic C3rd B.C.) :
"[In the cave of the nymphe Makris (Macris) on the island of the Phaiakes (Phaeacians) :] They prepared a great bed [for the marriage of Iason (Jason) and Medea], spreading the shining golden fleece on top of it, to grace the wedding and make it famous in story. Nymphai (NYmphs) gathered flowers for them, and as they brought the many-coloured bunches into the cave in their white arms the fiery splendour of the fleece played on them all, so bright was the glitter of its golden wool. It kindled in their eyes a sweet desire. They longed to lay their hands on it, and yet they were afraid to touch it. Some of these Nymphai were daughters of the river (potamos) Aigaios (Aegaeus) [i.e. Naiades], others lived on the heights of the Meliteian Mount [i.e. Oreiades], others again were Alseides (Of the Groves) [i.e. Dryades] from the plains. All were sent to the wedding by Hera, wife of Zeus, who thus did honour to Iason. As for his bride, the place where the pair were brought together when the fragrant linen had been spread is still called the Sacred Cave of Medea."

Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 4. 1196 ff :
"When he [Orpheus] sang of the wedding [of Jason and Medea], all the Nymphai (Nymphs) joined in the lovely marriage song; and then again, as they circled in the dance they sang alone, tendering their thanks to Hera, who had put it in Arete's mind to reveal the wise decision of the king."

Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 4. 1216 ff :
"And still the altars which Medea built on the island [of the Phaiakes (Phaeacians)] at the shrine of the Shepherd Apollon are laden year by year with offerings to the Moirai (Fates) and the Nymphai (Nymphs)."

SOURCES

GREEK

• Apollonius Rhodius, The Argonautica - Greek Epic C3rd B.C.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A complete bibliography of the translations quoted on this page.