The Haliai

In ancient times, the Haliai roamed the seas around Greece and Italy. They filled ancient mariners’ thoughts and fueled the sailors’ imagination. In Greek mythology, they were known as Nymphe Thalassa. In Roman mythology, they were called Nymphae Pelagi. Both phrases translate to ‘sea nymph’.

The Haliai, also known as Nereids, were minor deities in ancient mythology. The Haliai (sea nymphs) would often be depicted as alluring and beguiling young women, riding the waves on the  backs of giant seahorses and dolphins. They could regularly be seen accompanying King Triton as he traveled, or following in his procession as he surveyed his waters. 

Mariners would pray to them for a safe voyage and calm seas. Sailors, lucky enough to catch a glimpse, would watch as the sea nymphs would rise from their subterranean caverns and grottos in the deep. Singing ancient and beautiful songs while traversing the Mediterranean. The aquatic beauties’ voices so alluring and bewitching, even Hera herself would be in awe.

According to legend, the Nereids were the fifty sea nymph daughters of Nereus and Doris. They held dominion over the Mediterranean Sea as minor deities. The name Nereids translates to the “Daughters of Nereus". The terms Nereids, Haliai, and sea nymphs being both interchangeable and equivalent to one another. One of the most famous Haliai and Nereids was Amphitrite. She was married to Poseidon, god of the sea. Their daughters were also called sea nymphs. 

Some of the more notable Haliai includes Benthesikyme (daughter of Poseidon, wife of Enalos king of Ethiopia) and Rhode (daughter of Poseidon, wife of Helios, and goddess of the island of Rhodes).

There are numerous spellings, including Halia, Haliad, Halie, Halias, Haliae, Haliai, Haliads, and Haliades.