Quercus ilex is also known as “Evergreen Oak” Holly oak or Holm (ancient for “Holy”) Oak. They grow typically in the Mediterranean and are quite large in size. This particular one stood in the middle of a field, all crowned in green while the oak trees around it were barely budding their new leaves. That green has endured Winter and it almost felt like a “flash forward” into Summer.
The term Dryad derives from the Greek Drys meaning “Oak” and refers to female tree spirits or Nymphs inhabiting these trees.
I went hiking yesterday (7th of January). I was intending to reach a cave as suitable filming location for a forthcoming videoclip. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to final location but that I enjoyed the walk through the wintry woods and all through the way I found the most singular trees, mostly gnarled oaks
According to Mythology the term “Dryad” comes from “Dryos” meaning Oak or Tree, and this female minor deities were guardians for the forests, groves and trees in general that they would protect fiercely. Those who were linked to a the life of a particular tree (being born and dying when the tree would perish) would be named with the term Hamadryad (from “together” and “tree”) and would have different names depending on the tree to which their existence were tied to. Dryads would have great longevity and would only pass away once the tree they inhabited had died. Fierce protectors and guardians, this wood spirits of shy nature would have shapeshifting powers.
In Roman mythology their counterparts are known as Querquetulanae, or Nymphs of the Oak groves. As we know Quercus is also the Genus the many species of Oak trees belong to, being one of the most popular the European Oak or Quercus Robur (meaning robust Oak).
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