ambrosia v. nectar

Ambrosia salad. Image courtesy of TasteOfHome.com. In Greek mythology, the gods consumed ambrosia and nectar, which conferred immortality. Ambrosia is usually considered to be the food of the gods, and nectar is usually the drink of the gods, but there are counterexamples where ambrosia is the drink, or nectar is the food.

Ambrosia is also a salad made with whipped or sour cream, mandarin oranges, pineapple, shredded coconut, and other fruits. More generally, it can be anything that tastes or smells delicious.

In addition to being a literally divine drink, nectar is also a sweet liquid secreted by plants to attract pollinating animals, a drink made with fruit juice, or simply any delicious drink.

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nymph v. sylph

John William Waterhouse - Hylas and the Nymphs (1896)

In Greek and Roman mythology, nymphs are minor deities represented as beautiful maidens who inhabit and personify natural features or locations, such as rivers, forests, and mountains.

According to the occult philosophy of the sixteenth century physician and alchemist Paracelsus, a sylph is a (usually female) elemental being that inhabits the air. Paracelsus also introduced elementals corresponding to the remaining classical Greek elements: Ondines are water elementals, gnomes are earth elementals, and salamanders are fire elementals.

Either word can also be applied to a beautiful or graceful young woman.

myth v. legend

Image courtesy of cheezburger.com A myth is a traditional, possibly sacred story involving gods or supernatural creatures. Myths are symbolic, and are used to explain natural phenomena such as the creation of the world or the origin of a race of people. They may also illustrate a culture’s ideals, customs, and taboos. Myths take place outside of historical time, often in the ancient past. Zeus, Loki, and Ganesha are examples of characters from myth.

Legends are unverifiable stories concerning real historical people, places, and events. These characters are often portrayed as larger than life or are endowed with superhuman qualities. King Arthur, Blackbeard, and Robin Hood are historical figures with associated legends.

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incubus v. succubus

An incubus (plurual incubi) is a male demon that has sexual intercourse with sleeping women.

The female counterpart of an incubus is a succubus. Their mythology overlaps somewhat with that of vampires, as succubi are said to drain their male victims’ vitality, and in some instances, this extends to drinking their blood. Succubi have been depicted variously as grotesque or extremely attractive.

The offspring resulting from the coupling of an incubus and a human female, or of a succubus and a human male, is known as a cambion. These beings could be deformed children, demons, or witches. In Arthurian legend, Merlin the wizard is claimed to be a cambion.

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