The
Nereids of antiquity, the daughters of the 'sea-born seer,' are
evidently the same with the mermaids of the British and northern shores.
The inhabitants of both are fixed in crystal caves or coral palaces
beneath the waters of the ocean; they are alike distinguished for their
partialities to the human race, and their prophetic powers in disclosing
the events of futurity. The Naiads differ only in name from the Nixen of
Germany and Scandinavia (Nisser), or the water-elves of our countrymen.
AElfric and the Nornae, who wove the web of life, and sang the fortunes of
the illustrious Helga, are but the same companions who attended Ilithyia
at the births of Iamos and Hercules," the venerable Parcae of antiquity.
The Russian Rusalkis are of the same family. The man-in-the-moon has
found a circulation throughout the world. "The clash of elements in the
thunder-storm was ascribed in Hellas to the rolling chariot-wheels of
Jove, and in the Scandinavian mythology to the ponderous waggon of the
Norwegian Thor."
To the above extract, which is taken from the excellent preface by the
editor to Wharton's _History of English Poetry_, may be added the number
of high peaks bearing the name of Tor or Thor, seen more especially on
both coasts of Devonshire, and which are supposed to signalise the
places of his worship.
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