Narcissus, in Greek folklore, was the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. He was known and distinguished for his beauty. According to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Book III, Narcissus’s mother was told by the blind seer Tiresias that he would live long if he never recognizes himself. Many fell in love with him including Oread nymph Echo. However, he only despised and contempt. Even some killed themselves because of him. Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance, learned this and decided to punish Narcissus for his behaviour. She led him to a pool; there, the young man saw his reflection in the water, discover is beauty and fell in love, although he did not realize in the beginning that it was just a reflection of himself he had fallen in love with. When he understood it, he fell in anguish that his love could not materialize. At his reflection, he stared and stared until he died (committed suicide)

After Narcissus’ death, a beautiful flower sprang up from where he drowned and died. The lovely flower has its head hanging slightly, bending over the water (pool). The bending nature of the flower was likened to Narcissus bending down and gazing at his reflection. Today, the flower is called Narcissus and tied to the meaning of egotism. Narcissus flower is also known as a daffodil flower. Also, there is a mental disorder coined from this name which is known as “Narcissism”. You need to know what Narcissism is in the next update.

Omolola Ilesanmi (From Greek Mythology)