In
Greek mythology,
Narcissus (; ,
Narkissos) was a hunter from
Thespiae in
Boeotia who was known for his beauty. He was the son of the river god
Cephissus and nymph
Liriope. He was proud, in that he disdained those who loved him.
Nemesis noticed this behavior and attracted Narcissus to a pool, where he saw his own reflection in the water and fell in love with it, not realizing it was merely an image. Unable to leave the beauty of his reflection, Narcissus lost his will to live. He stared at his reflection until he died. Narcissus is the origin of the term
narcissism, a fixation with oneself and one's physical appearance.