NARCISSUS
1. In Greek
mythology, Narcissus was a hunter from the territory of Thespiae in Boeotia who
was renowned for his beauty. He was the son of a river god named Cephissus and
a nymph named Liriope. He was exceptionally proud, in that he disdained those
who loved him. Nemesis noticed this behaviour and attracted Narcissus to a
pool, where he saw his own reflection in the water and fell in love with it,
not realizing it was merely an image. Unable to leave the beauty of his
reflection, Narcissus died. Narcissus is the origin of the term narcissism, a
fixation with oneself.
2. One day
Narcissus was walking in the woods when Echo, an Oread (mountain nymph) saw
him, fell deeply in love, and followed him. Narcissus sensed he was being
followed and shouted "Who's there?” Echo repeated "Who's there?” She
eventually revealed her identity and attempted to embrace him. He stepped away
and told her to leave him alone. She was heartbroken and spent the rest of her
life in lonely glens until nothing but an echo sound remained of her. Nemesis,
the goddess of revenge, learned of this story and decided to punish Narcissus.
She lured him to a pool where he saw his own reflection. He didn't realize it
was only an image and fell in love with it. He eventually realized that his
love could not be addressed and committed suicide.
Quote: "To stare, big-eyed Narcissus, into some spring is
beneath all adult dignity."
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