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Article: Narcissus
- Article from:
- Myths and Legends of the World
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Macmillan Reference, USA. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Narcissus
Narcissus, the son of the river god Cephissus and the
nymph
Leiriope, was an extremely good-looking Greek youth. His beauty ultimately led to his death. A
prophet
named Tiresias told Leiriope that her son would enjoy a long life as long as he never knew himself or saw his reflection. Although Leiriope did not understand the
prophecy
at the time, its meaning eventually became clear.
nymph
minor goddess of nature, usually represented as young and beautiful
prophet
one who claims to have received divine messages or insights
prophecy
foretelling of what is to come; also something that is predicted
Narcissus was so handsome that many women and men ...