Mythology: Greek
These nymphs are female spirits that watch/protect particular trees in the forest. All of their lives, they are connected to one particular tree. These spirits are mentioned in other works such as "Paradise Lost" and other poems and works of literature.
Keats compares the singing Nightingale, perched on a tree, to this mythological spirit. The bird, like the nymph, has become the protector of that tree, and consequently of Keats as well.
These nymphs are female spirits that watch/protect particular trees in the forest. All of their lives, they are connected to one particular tree. These spirits are mentioned in other works such as "Paradise Lost" and other poems and works of literature.
Keats compares the singing Nightingale, perched on a tree, to this mythological spirit. The bird, like the nymph, has become the protector of that tree, and consequently of Keats as well.