Narcissus

In Greek mythology, Narcissus (/nɑːrˈsɪsəs/; Ancient Greek: Νάρκισσος, romanized: Nárkissos) was a hunter from Thespiae in Boeotia (alternatively from Mimas or modern-day Karaburun, Izmir). He was renowned throughout the land for his exceptional beauty, which captivated all who beheld him.

According to Ovid's classic version of the tale, Narcissus rejected all romantic advances from his admirers. His fate took a tragic turn when he discovered his own reflection in a pool of water. Not recognizing himself, Narcissus became entranced by the beautiful image, falling deeply in love with what he saw. In some tellings, he struck his chest in anguish until it turned purple, desperate at being unable to embrace his beloved reflection. Upon his death, a flower bearing his name—the narcissus—sprouted in his place.

The myth of Narcissus gave rise to the term "narcissism," describing a self-focused personality trait. In its extreme form, this characteristic contributes to narcissistic personality disorder, a psychiatric condition characterized by grandiosity, excessive need for attention and admiration, and an inability to empathize with others.