The Myth of Narcissus: How and Why He Got His Name
The myth of Narcissus, as told by the ancients, is a tale that intertwines beauty, obsession, and tragedy. Narcissus, known for his extraordinary beauty, was the son of a river god and a nymph. Despite being adored by many, he showed an arrogant disdain for those who loved him. The turning point of his story came when he was cursed by one of his spurned admirers, leading him to a pool of water. There, Narcissus saw his reflection for the first time and became utterly infatuated with the beautiful image staring back at him. Unaware that it was merely his reflection, he fell deeply in love with it. His obsession was so intense that he could not bring himself to leave the allure of his image. Ultimately, this self-obsession led to his demise. He either perished by the water’s edge, unable to tear himself away, or in his despair, took his own life. Following his death, a flower sprang up where he lay, bearing his name — the narcissus.
