Narcissus (mythology)

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In Greek mythology, Narcissus (; Ancient Greek: Νάρκισσος) is a handsome youth who becomes enamoured with his own reflection in a pool of water. In the most famous version of the story, found in Metamorphoses by the Roman poet Ovid (who was active around the beginning of the 1st century AD), Narcissus rejects the advances of numerous suitors, including those of the nymph Echo. By the influence of Nemesis, Narcissus becomes infatuated with his own reflection when he views it in a pool one day. He remains there until he dies, and in that place narcissus flower later arises. Around 50 BC, the myth is attested in one of the Oxyrhynchus papyri. Other versions of the story are told by the 2nd-century AD travel writer Pausanias and the mythographer Conon (who lived around the time of Augustus). The oldest depictions of Narcissus in ancient art may date to the Roman Empire. Narcissus was a popular subject in Roman art, appearing in nearly 50 Pompeian wall paintings, as well as mosaics, gems, and...

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