Many artists have depicted Narcissus, the legendary Greek hunter who loved to stare at his own image in pools of water, but eventually realized he could never possess just a reflection of himself, and in deep despair, killed himself. Other versions of the legend have him falling into the pool of water while staring at his reflection and drowning. But there’s more to the legend. For those of you who enjoy mythology or just like love stories, here’s the story in its entirety:
Myth Man’s Echo and Narcissus: a Sad Love Story
Narcissus was so beautiful that both men and women alike desired him, but Echo, a beautiful but overly talkative young woman, loved Narcissus most of all. Unfortunately, her adoration and devotion was unrequited because of Narcissus’ love for only himself. This seems so familiar to those of us who have been the victims in a relationship with a narcissist, doesn’t it?
I wonder if Narcissus would have gained narcissistic supply from knowing a well known and “popular” mental disorder was named after him. Probably.
Here are some of my favorite images of Narcissus (and Echo).
Caravaggio’s painting is my favorite, and I have used this image in a few other posts. Narcissus is so beautiful here, I could stare at him forever (just as poor Echo did). I love how lost he looks in his own reflection. He’s looking at it the way a man looks at a woman he’s fallen in love with.
John William Waterhouse’s 1903 painting of Narcissus and Echo is another of my favorites. Narcissus is completely unaware of Echo’s presence. You can tell she’s in love with him but he doesn’t want her. In fact, he doesn’t even know she exists. In his world, only he exists.
Narcissus and 2 women. Artist unknown. (Does anyone know who painted this?)
I do not know who painted this either. But notice how completely Echo is engaged, passionately embracing Narcissus, and yet he is not returning her embrace. He seems to be merely tolerating her. Theirs is definitely an unequal relationship.
Another unknown artist. It appears this image may depict Narcissus after his death, or maybe he’s just asleep or pretending to sleep so he doesn’t have to engage with the adoring Echo.
A modern take: Esstera’s Echo and Narcissus on Deviantart. I love Echo’s almost angry expression and body language in this.
Another modern take, moved to an urban environment (looks like a NYC subway)–“Narcissus and Echo” by David Revoy. I love this!
The Narcissus flower, related to the daffodil, according to legend bloomed on the banks of the pond where Narcissus died.
There are many other images and paintings of Narcissus and Echo, but these are the ones that really capture my imagination and I think are the most beautiful.
Lucky Otters Haven 
I don’t really know much about Greek mythology but found this really interesting. Thank you!
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I’m embarrassed to say it’s pretty much the only Greek myth I know. LOL
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Well, you have now passed on a little bit of knowledge to me 🙂
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Reblogged this on galesmind and commented:
Great post as usual. I love Caravaggio one of my favorite painters you can get lost in the faces he does. Funny Narcissus the flower has an awful smell. Much like the people that share that unfortunate pathological state.
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LMAO!
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Knew the story from childhood but it has now been branded on my brain because of a painful relationship with a narcissist. Still, great post 🙂
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Thank you. I’ve been living in a jungle of narcissists my entire life and yes it is incredibly painful and still is, but they absolutely they fascinate me. I want to know what makes them tick! Even the history behind the name fascinates me, and is so fitting.
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Reblogged this on Marilyn Munrow and commented:
Absolutely brilliant depiction of a narcissist Lucky Otter. I love your way with words and pictures too.
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Thank you so much, I love writing about these nasty mindfuckers so much because they’re so damn fascinating.
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Reblogged this on Marilyn Munrow and commented:
Wonderful blog with pictures too. Fabulous sugar.
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
I have met a number of narcissists in my time and a bit like vampires the old mirror trick is quite useful. Either there will be no reflection in the mirror in which case back off or they will stand there for several minutes admiring themselves from every angle… again back off and let them get on with it……very good post with some wonderful depictions of Narcissus who actually was quite good looking and the very misnamed flower belonging to the tulip family.
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Thank you for the reblog. I am now following your blog too. I agree, the flower is too beautiful to be named after such a malignant person. Of course, Narcissus was physically beautiful as is the flower, so I guess it’s fitting.
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He certainly was – but perhaps unlike the flower he was also able to voice his opinion of himself!! Still good to look at all the same… thanks for sharing the post.
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What an informative and engaging post. Even I have heard of Narcissus, but not a lot. These paintings certainly show a lot without words. Thank you. 🙂
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Narcissus is definitely a fascinating character. He certainly wasn’t deluded though about how great looking he was–these paintings really capture his beauty and obliviousness to anyone else at the same time.
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Indeed! What a life.
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Wow! I really had no idea this post would become so popular! 🙂
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Your post is such a great combination of an ancient story full of truth, incredible art to illustrate it visually, and personal meaning. Great insights shared.
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I loved writing this article. I love the story of Narcissus and Echo and there are so many beautiful artistic interpretations of the story. Thank you for your nice comments. I’m following your blog now too.
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Thank you for answering so kindly. And for following my blog too.
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