Last week, I wrote about the impact of Greek mythology on the modern European novel, focusing on “The Myth of Sisyphus” and the works of French post-war novelist Albert Camus. This week, I will explore another Greek myth: “The myth of Narcissus” and its influences on visual art and modern psychiatry.
Among the most intriguing characters in Greek mythology is narcissus, celebrated for his extraordinary beauty, which has become synonymous with male attractiveness. Narcissus possessed an almost angelic allure that captivated young maidens, yet his beauty bred arrogance and disdain towards women. He believed no woman deserved him, rejecting all advances. According to Microsoft Encarta:
“Narcissus, in Greek mythology, is a handsome youth, the son of the river god Cephissus. Because of his exceptional beauty, many women fell in love with Narcissus, but he repulsed their advances. Among the lovelorn maidens was the nymph Echo, who had incurred the displeasure of Hera and had been condemned by the goddess never to speak again except to repeat what, was said to her.
“Echo was therefore unable to tell Narcissus of her love, but one day, as Narcissus was walking in the woods, he became separated from his companions. When he shouted, is anyone here?’ Echo joyfully answered, ‘Here, here.’ Unable to see her hidden among the trees, Narcissus cried, ‘Come!’ Back came the answer, ‘Come, come,’ as Echo stepped forth from the woods with outstretched arms.
“Narcissus cruelly refused to accept Echo’s love; she was so humiliated that she hid in a cave and wasted away until nothing was left of her but her voice. To punish Narcissus, the avenging goddess Nemesis made him fall hopelessly in love with his own beautiful face as he saw it reflected in a pool. As he gazed in fascination, unable to look away from his image, he gradually pined away. At the place where his body had lain grew a beautiful flower, honoring the name and memory of Narcissus.”
I quoted the Encarta article in full to illustrate how human imagination can create legends from nothing. In literature, characters are often based on existing personalities. Characterization is the process by which an author reveals information about characters to readers.
While literary characters may be fictitious, they are derived from real-life experiences; in mythology, characters are often imagined out of thin air. Yet both are inspired by the human condition. According to some critics, Echo and Narcissus represent two extremes of human personality: “Echo is all for others, while Narcissus is all for himself, to the detriment of both.”
These two characters not only illustrate human nature but also reflect the depth of understanding of their creators. Legends and mythologies serve as more than mere narratives; they also impart moral lessons. “In the story of Narcissus and Echo, there is a moral lesson that teaches us to love ourselves while remaining humble, as excessive focus on oneself can lead to loneliness and isolation.”
The myth of Narcissus has transcended literature and found expression in art. Salvador Dalí, one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, was inspired by this myth when he painted “Metamorphosis of Narcissus” (1934, Tate Gallery, London). In this work, the artist refers to the ancient Greek myth in which a young man falls in love with his own reflection and is transformed into a beautiful flower.
“Greek myths interested the surrealists because metamorphosis—changing from one form into another—is their most recurrent theme. Similarly, in Dalí’s painting, what initially appears to be the body of a man can, when viewed differently, become an image of a hand holding egg?”
The myth of Narcissus has also influenced modern psychology. Narcissism is one of the personality disorders characterized by specific traits. “Narcissism is one of the disorders where one’s personality results in personal distress or significantly impairs social or work functioning. Every person has a personality—characteristic ways of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others. Most people experience at least some difficulties resulting from their personality.”
Characterizing narcissistic traits as manifestations of a mental disorder is not straightforward, as many experts agree there are no clear boundaries between normal and abnormal human behavior. This ambiguity applies to both Sisyphean and Narcissistic manifestations, as individuals may exhibit a mix of tendencies.
“Narcissistic traits encompass a range of characteristics and behaviors, often centered on an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. These traits can manifest in various ways and can be associated with narcissistic personality disorder, a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.”
The manifestations of narcissism in human behavior are numerous. Narcissistic personality disorder is complex, and even individuals known to display these traits may not recognize themselves as victims. However, being narcissistic does not inherently mean one is mentally dysfunctional; many who exhibit these traits lead normal lives, whether or not they acknowledge their narcissism.
Experts identify at least twelve manifestations of narcissism, some of which may be tolerable, while others can be dangerous to both society and the narcissist.
A sense of exaggerated self-importance is one symptom of narcissistic disorder. While it is natural for humans to focus on their worth, an inflated sense of importance signals a disorder. Everyone is important in society, but claiming to be the most important or seeking the spotlight exclusively is a sign of abnormality.
Another symptom is preoccupation with power, beauty, or success. While seeking power and success is natural in a competitive society, excessive fixation on these aspects, at the expense of others, becomes abnormal.
As individuals strive for power and success, they should recognize others’ achievements as well. An exclusive focus on oneself, coupled with the dismissal of others’ successes, indicates not only selfishness but also a dangerous tendency that harms the narcissist.
Seeking excessive admiration, lacking empathy for those less privileged, and displaying arrogance are typical narcissistic behaviors that can damage relationships and society. Narcissists often prefer the company of powerful or wealthy individuals, shunning those who do not meet their standards, reflecting their ambitious tendencies.
Experts point to dangerous narcissistic tendencies that can harm the individual. Narcissists are more likely to fall victim to substance abuse or addiction. They may feel envious of others’ success, leading to harmful behaviors born from jealousy.
Starting with the myth of Narcissus, which exemplifies banal self-adoration, narcissism has evolved into a significant behavioral and psychological abnormality that shapes many individuals’ destinies, often with negative consequences. Some consider narcissism a modern psychological affliction that adversely affects relationships, daily lives, families, jobs, and other endeavors. Most people dislike being labeled as narcissistic due to its negative connotations; others may remain unaware of their tendencies unless pointed out by others. In extreme cases, narcissists may seek professional assistance to address harmful traits that pose risks to themselves and society.
BY MULUGETA GUDETA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 22 MAY 2025
