A
dryad (; ,
sing.: ) is a
tree nymph, or tree spirit, in
Greek mythology. 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. "Such deities are very much overshadowed by the divine figures defined through poetry and cult,"
Walter Burkert remarked of Greek nature deities. They were normally considered to be very shy creatures, except around the goddess
Artemis, who was known to be a friend to most nymphs.