Narcissus.
     The beautiful son of the river-god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope, Narcissus fell in love with his own image reflected in water. Drawn to this likeness but unable to touch it, he pined away and was transformed into the flower that bears his name. According to Ovid, this metamorphosis occurred as punishment for his spurning of the nymph Echo, who had been deprived of normal speech by Hera and could only repeat what others said. When Echo tried to seduce Narcissus by imitating his speech, he rejected her. Overcome by grief, she wasted away until nothing was left but her voice.
     Pausanias recorded a different version, in which Narcissus loved his twin sister, who died. Thereafter, his consolation became looking in streams at his reflection, which he took to be his sister.
     In postclassical art, the image of Narcissus gazing at his reflection is a favorite subject. Other works, mainly poems that treat the narcissus flower itself, are included here because the myth is often evoked or implied in such treatments.
     
     Further Reference: Vinge, Louise. 1967. The Narcissus Theme in Western European Literature Up to the Early Nineteenth Century. Lund: Gleerups.

See also listings for "Pan, loves"