ERASINIDES
Greek Name
Νυμφαι Ερασινιδες
Transliteration
Nymphai Erasinides
Latin Spelling
Nymphae Erasinides
Translation
Nymphs of Erasinus
THE ERASINIDES were four Naiad-nymphs of the River Erasinos in Argolis (southern Greece). They welcomed, and became attendants of, the goddess Britomartis when she arrived in their country from Phoinikia (Phoenicia) or the island of Krete (Crete).
PARENTS
ERASINOS (Antoninus Liberalis 40)
NAMES
BYZE, MELITE, MAIRA, ANKHIROE (Antoninus Liberalis 40)
ENCYCLOPEDIA
MAERA (Maira). One of the four daughters of Erasinus of Argos. (Anton. Lib. 40.)
MELITE (Melitê). A daughter of Erasinus of Argos, was visited by Britomartis.
Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.
CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES
Antoninus Liberalis, Metamorphoses 40 (trans. Celoria) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"[Britomartis] arrived in Argos from Phoinikia (Phoenicia) [Lebanon], entering into the company of the daughters of Erasinos (Erasinus), Byze, Melite, Maira (Maera), Ankhirhoe (Anchiroe). Then she went from Argos to Kephallenia (Cephallenia) . . . Then she went to Krete (Crete)."
NAMES OF THE ERASINIDES
Greek Name
Βυζη
Μελιτη
Μαιρα
Αγχιροη
Transliteration
Byzê
Melitê
Maira
Ankhiroê
Latin Spelling
Byze
Melite
Maera
Anchiroe
Translation
Close-Pressed (buzên)
Honey-Sweet (melitê)
Sparkling (marmairô)
Pouring-Flow (anacheô, rhoos)
SOURCES
GREEK
- Antoninus Liberalis, Metamorphoses - Greek Mythography C2nd A.D.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A complete bibliography of the translations quoted on this page.