Greek Mythology tells us about two dynasties of sea dieties. The earliest began with Oceanus and Tethys, the second with Pontus ad Gaia. These two great families were joined with the marriage of Doris (daughter of Oceanus and Tethys) and Nereus (son of Pontus and Gaia) in a union that produced fifty sea nymphs known as the Nereids. (Accounts differ as to the actual number of Nereids.) These dieties' powers extended beyond the sea,too: Poseidon and Amphitrite also controlled the winds, as did Triton, their son to a lesser extent. Interestingly, ocean dieties also brought forth the arts and sciences. Proteus and Nereus gave humans wisdom. Nereus also had prophetic powers. Although Apollo is not a sea diety, he was venerated by sailors as Apollo Delphinus: disguised as a dolphin, he was said to have led an endangered ship to safety. p 28 Sea Magic Sandra Kynes