Nireas – The Myth
Nireas (Nereus) is one of the most important water deities of Greek mythology, known for his truthfulness and virtue and often referred to as the ‘old man of the sea’. In the Greek language, the name NIREAS connotates flowing water. Nireas (Greek: Νηρεύς) was according to Greek mythology the eldest son of Pontus (the Sea) and Gaia (the Earth). Nireas was a Titan who with Doris fathered 50 daughters (the Nereids), with whom Nireas lived in the Aegean Sea. Nireas and Proteus seem to be two manifestations of the god of the sea who was supplanted by Poseidon when Zeus overthrew Cronus. Nireas, who dwelled in the Aegean Sea, was a god who could turn himself into all kinds of shapes. Nireas was also known for his truthfulness and virtue. Nireas was father to Thetis, one of the Nereids, who in turn was mother to the great Greek hero Achilles, and Amphitrite, who married Poseidon.