While reading the story of Narcissus and Echo, a friend remarked that she had heard a much different version, one without a nymph, and where Narcissus' reflection is a punishment from the gods. Intrigued, I wikipedia'd the story of Narcissus.
According to Wikipedia. the original story was a moral lesson for young boys to be kind to their lovers and suitors (Flashback to Symposium?). In the story, Narcissus is approached by a young man named Ameinias, but refuses him, giving him a sword instead. Distraught, Ameinias prays to Nemesis that Narcissus would feel the same pain, then kills himself with the sword. Later, Narcissus finds his reflection and unsuccessfully attempts to seduce it, unaware of its nature. Completing the curse, he then kills himself with the same sword he presented to Ameinias.
No comments:
Post a Comment