wood nymph crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the 'wood nymph' crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Explore the solutions below based on letter count.
Solutions for "wood nymph crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DRYAD: A common and direct answer, referring to a tree nymph or spirit in Greek mythology.
9 Letters
HAMADRYAD: A more specific type of wood nymph in Greek mythology, born with and bound to a particular tree, dying when the tree dies.
More About "wood nymph crossword clue"
The term "wood nymph" immediately evokes images of classical mythology, particularly from ancient Greek and Roman traditions. These ethereal beings are minor nature deities or spirits, often depicted as beautiful young women, who inhabit and embody aspects of the natural world. In the context of "wood nymphs," their domain is explicitly the forests, groves, and individual trees, making them protectors and symbols of arboreal life.
In crosswords, "wood nymph" is a frequently encountered clue because it points directly to a well-known mythological figure: the Dryad. While Dryads are the most common association, puzzles might occasionally use more specific terms like Hamadryads for longer answer slots, distinguishing them by their inseparable bond with a single tree. Understanding these distinctions can be key to solving trickier clues, especially when letter counts become a factor.
Their enduring presence in folklore and literature, from Ovid's Metamorphoses to modern fantasy, ensures their continued relevance as a staple in general knowledge and, by extension, crossword puzzles. Recognizing this mythological connection is often the first step to confidently filling in your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Mythology Common Knowledge: Clues related to "wood nymph" or similar nature spirits often draw from widely known Greek or Roman mythology. Brush up on common mythological figures and their domains.
- Check Letter Count First: Before guessing, always verify the number of letters required. For "wood nymph," DRYAD (5 letters) is often the primary answer, but don't rule out longer, more specific terms like HAMADRYAD (9 letters) if the grid allows.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Sometimes the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can provide hints. If other clues are about nature, ancient cultures, or fantastical beings, you're likely on the right track with a mythological answer.
- Expand Your Nymph Knowledge: While "wood nymph" points to Dryads, remember there are many other types of nymphs (Naiads for water, Oreads for mountains, Nereids for sea, etc.). Knowing these variations can help with related clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the term 'wood nymph'?
The term 'wood nymph' originates from Greek and Roman mythology, referring to divine spirits or lesser deities associated with nature, particularly trees and forests. They are often depicted as beautiful young women.
Why is DRYAD a common crossword answer for 'wood nymph'?
DRYAD is the most direct and widely recognized mythological term for a tree or wood nymph. Its short, common letter count (5 letters) makes it a frequent and convenient fit in many crossword grids when the clue points to a 'wood nymph'.
Are there different kinds of nymphs besides wood nymphs?
Yes, in mythology, nymphs are categorized by their domain. Besides wood nymphs (Dryads), there are water nymphs (Naiads), mountain nymphs (Oreads), sea nymphs (Nereids), and many others, each tied to a specific natural feature.