Nymphs

Nymphs are the closest relatives to little people that can be found in Classical Mythology. They are beautiful female spirits who inhabit and maintain different realms of nature. They are divine creatures who are known to have relations with humans. The different types of nymphs are Oreades, Dryads, Naiads, Limniades, and Neriades. They live in mountains, trees, springs, lakes, and the sea, respectively.

Sources

Kneightley, Thomas. The World Guide to Gnomes, Fairies, Elves, and Other Little People. New York: Avenel Books, 1978.