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.

References

Sources

  • Eustathius on Homer, p. 1963.
  • Theocritus, i, 22, with Valck. note, xiii, 45.