Water sprites are mythical creatures often depicted as small, ethereal beings associated with water bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans. They are commonly portrayed in folklore and fantasy literature as playful and mischievous, sometimes helping or hindering humans who encounter them. Water sprites are typically described as having a delicate, shimmering appearance, resembling the fluidity of water itself. In various cultures, water sprites are linked to nature and the environment, symbolizing the beauty and mystery of aquatic ecosystems. They are sometimes associated with other elemental beings, such as dryads for trees or fire sprites for flames, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature's elements.