DELIADES

THE DELIADES were the Naiad-nymphs of the springs of the river Inopos on the Aegean island of Delos. They were handmaidens of the goddess Artemis.

PARENTS

INOPOS (Callimachus Hymn to Delos)

CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES

Callimachus, Hymn 4 to Delos 252 ff (trans. Mair) (Greek poet C3rd B.C.) :
"[Leto gives birth to Apollon on the island of Delos :] The child leapt forth and the Nymphai Deliades (Nymphs of Delos), offspring of an ancient river [Inopos], sang with far-sounding voice the holy chant of Eileithyia [goddess of birth]. And straightway the brazen sky echoed back the far-reaching chant and Hera grudged it not, because Zeus had taken away her anger. In that hour, O Delos, all thy foundations became of gold: with gold thy round lake flowed all day, and golden foliage thy natal olive-tree put forth and with gold flowed coiled Inopos in deep flood."

Callimachus, Hymn 3 to Artemis 170 ff :
"But when the Nymphai (Nymphs) encircle thee [Artemis] in the dance, near the springs of Aigyptian (Egyptian) Inopos or Pitane--for Pitane too is thine--or in Limnai (Limnae) or where, goddess, thou camest from Skythia (Scythia) to dwell, in Alai (Alae) . . . for the god Helios (the Sun) never passes by that beauteous dance, but stays his car to gaze upon the sight, and lights of day are lengthened."

SOURCES

GREEK

• Callimachus, Hymns - Greek Poetry C3rd B.C.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

A complete bibliography of the translations quoted on this page.