epimelides
Also called maliades. The white-haired nymphs of meadows and pastures. The ancient Greek word μηλον (mēlon) means both "sheep" and "apple/fruit," which has led some authors to name them the protectors of the flocks of sheep as well as the nymphs of apple trees and fruit trees.
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References
Sources
- Eustathius on Homer, p. 1963.
- Theocritus, i, 22, with Valck. note, xiii, 45.