Narcissus was born to the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope, and from a young age, his beauty was extraordinary. So striking was his appearance that his mother, Liriope, worried about his future. Seeking answers, she visited the blind prophet Tiresias, who gave her an unsettling prophecy: Narcissus would live a long life, but only if he never saw his own reflection.
The Admired but Cold Narcissus
As Narcissus grew older, his beauty became legendary. Many people—both men and women—fell in love with him. But Narcissus didn’t care. He rejected all of their affection, too proud and too self-absorbed to care for anyone. His coldness became his defining feature.
One of those he scorned was Echo, a beautiful nymph. Echo, however, had a unique problem: she had been cursed by the goddess Hera to only repeat the last words spoken to her. She couldn’t speak her own thoughts or feelings, making it impossible for her to tell Narcissus how much she loved him.
Echo’s Heartbreak
One day, Echo saw Narcissus wandering through the forest and fell deeply in love with him. But when she tried to speak to him, all she could do was repeat his words back at him. Narcissus, confused and annoyed, quickly dismissed her and continued on his way. Heartbroken by his rejection, Echo retreated into the mountains, her voice lingering behind, doomed to forever repeat the words of others.
Narcissus Meets His Reflection
Meanwhile, Narcissus continued to live without remorse for the pain he caused. However, the goddess Nemesis, who punished those who lacked empathy, decided it was time for him to face the consequences. One day, as he was out hunting, Nemesis led him to a clear, still pool of water. Tired and thirsty, Narcissus knelt down to take a drink.
As he leaned over the water, Narcissus saw his reflection for the first time. Unaware that the image was his own, he thought it was a beautiful person beneath the surface. Mesmerized by this image, Narcissus fell in love instantly. He reached out to touch the figure, but the water rippled, and the image disappeared. Confused, he waited for it to return, and once it did, he couldn’t pull himself away.
Narcissus’ Tragic Obsession
Day after day, Narcissus stayed by the pool, completely entranced by his own reflection, believing it to be someone else. He spoke to the image, but it never spoke back. He tried to embrace it, but it always eluded his touch. The longer he gazed, the more hopeless his love became.
Realizing that he could never be with the figure he adored, Narcissus fell into despair. His obsession consumed him until, eventually, he died beside the pool, unable to leave his reflection behind.
The Narcissus Flower
After Narcissus’ death, a flower bloomed where he had lain. The flower was named after him—the narcissus—and it stands as a symbol of vanity and self-obsession. Even today, the story of Narcissus is a reminder of the dangers of loving only oneself.
Echo’s Fate
As for Echo, her voice continued to haunt the mountains, forever repeating the words of those who pass by. She, too, serves as a reminder of unrequited love and the sorrow that can come from a heart that cannot express its true feelings.
