A dryad.
A dryad is a tree nymph, or tree spirit, in Greek mythology.
Description[]
In Greek drys signifies "oak." Thus, dryads are specifically the nymphs of oak trees, though the term has come to be used for all tree nymphs in general. It is said that these deities are very much overshadowed by the divine figures defined through poetry and cult. They were normally considered to be very shy creatures, except around the goddess Artemis, who was known to be a friend to most nymphs.
Dryads are able to shape-shift into different forms and often mimic the appearance of elves. On such occasions, they appear as unearthly, lithe and beautiful maidens, albeit with a greenish hue to their skin and twigs in their long, cascading hair.
Overview[]
Dryads are the offspring of the Leshy and Kikimora. Each one is born with a certain tree over which she watches. A dryad either lives in a tree, in which case she is called a hamadryad, or close to it. The lives of the dryads are connected with that of the trees; should the tree perish, then she dies with it. If this is caused by a mortal, the gods will punish him for that deed. The dryads themselves will also punish any thoughtless mortal who would somehow injure the trees.
Should one ever make the mistake of violating a forest that is home to the dryads, the only sensible course of action when approached by such a creature is to flee as far and as fast as possible, but most potential victims find themselves enraptured by the dryad’s comely form or beguiled by the haunting melodies of her otherworldly song.
Before long, the victim is sufficiently addled that he will do anything that the spirit desires, and so is swiftly enticed into the shadowy depths of the forest. Only when the hapless prey is completely under her spell, his mind lost in a cloud o f desire and promise, does the dryad strike. The dryad's form becomes a being of hatred and malice solely directed at the one that had the audacity to destroy their homeland.