Narcissus (mythology) facts for kids

In classical mythology, Narcissus was a very handsome hunter from a place called Boetia. The most famous story about him tells how he fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He stared at it until he died. His name is where we get the word narcissism. This word describes someone who is overly focused on their own looks or themselves.

Who Was Narcissus?

Narcissus was known for his incredible beauty. Many people, both nymphs and humans, fell in love with him. However, Narcissus was very proud and often rejected those who admired him. He believed no one was good enough for him.

The Story of Echo and Narcissus

One day, a mountain nymph named Echo fell deeply in love with Narcissus. Echo had been cursed by the goddess Hera. She could only repeat the last words spoken to her. When Echo tried to talk to Narcissus, she could only echo his words. Narcissus, being self-centered, treated her unkindly and pushed her away. Heartbroken, Echo faded away until only her voice remained.

Falling in Love with His Reflection

The gods, seeing how Narcissus treated others, decided to punish him. The goddess Nemesis, who dealt with divine retribution, led him to a clear, still pool of water. When Narcissus looked into the water, he saw a beautiful face. He didn't realize it was his own reflection. He immediately fell deeply in love with this image.

A Love He Could Not Touch

Narcissus tried to embrace and kiss the beautiful person he saw. But every time he reached out, the image disappeared. He couldn't understand why the person in the water wouldn't come to him. He spent hours, then days, gazing at his reflection. He couldn't leave the pool, even to eat or drink.

The End of Narcissus

Narcissus eventually grew weak from hunger and sadness. He continued to stare at his reflection until he died by the side of the pool. When his body was gone, a beautiful flower grew in its place. This flower is now known as the narcissus, or daffodil. It often bends its head, as if looking down, just like Narcissus looked at his reflection.

What is Narcissism?

The myth of Narcissus gave us the word "narcissism." In psychology, narcissism describes a personality trait. It means someone has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. People with narcissistic traits might:

• Think they are more important than others.
• Need a lot of admiration.
• Lack empathy for other people's feelings.
• Be preoccupied with their own success or appearance.

It's important to remember that the word "narcissism" in everyday talk is different from a serious psychological condition. The myth helps us understand the idea of being too focused on oneself.

Images for kids

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  Narcissus at the Spring by Jan Roos depicts Narcissus gazing at his own reflection.

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  Narcissus gazes at the spring. From a 14th Century copy of Roman de la Rose

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  Liriope Bringing Narcissus before Tiresias, Giulio Carpioni

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  Narcissus by Caravaggio

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  Narcissus, follower of Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio

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  Narcisse, Henri-Léon Gréber

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  Narcisse, Gabriel Grupello and Albert Desenfans

See also

In Spanish: Narciso (mitología) para niños