The Narcissus and the Nymph



Narcissus is in the ancient Greece a handsome boy. With his sun tanned face, his golden curls and muscular body, he looks like a young god. His life is wonderful, but there is one big problem. Narcissus is afraid of people and he loves to be in nature between the plants and animals all alone. In the nearby forest live beautiful young women, the -half goddess, half shadow- nymphs. They all are fond of the young Narcissus and one of them is even madly in love with him. But he doesn’t want her company, turns her down every time she approaches him and slowly she languishes. The other nymphs are very angry about what happens and ask a goddess to punish him.






One day Narcissus wants to drink some water from a little lake in the forest. He kneels down and all of a sudden he hold his breath. Bent over the water he sees the most beautiful boy he can imagine and at the same time he falls in love. Narcissus tries to bend a little bit more in an attempt to kiss the boy....... loses his balance, falls into the water and drowns. The nymphs, who see it happen, are in shock. Through them Narcissus is punished very severely for his behavior. They decide to give him a nice funeral, but inspite of their search, his body is nowhere to be found. The only thing they find in the grass beside the lake is a beautiful yellow flower with a long graceful stem and a heart of gold - the Narcissus (Daffodil). Some people say the goddess created the flower out of pity and in this way she let Narcissus live forever.










This story is a free interpretation of the myth about Narcissus. Many versions of this myth have survived from ancient sources. The classic version is from Ovid.







Enlarged the photos are even more beautiful. Click on the first picture.


Thanks to all my friends abroad for their spontaneous, nice comments and praising words on my last blog.
I hope we keep in touch. Of course I will visit you on your own blog, although it may take sometimes a little longer.

Greetings, Joke

5 opmerkingen:

  1. You are really having fun with your new lens, and
    have captured the beauty of the Narcissus in all it's splendour.I like the photos with the white light behind the petals, and all the macro photography of the stamen is fabulous. I already knew the Narcissus fable, but still enjoyed reading it here again.

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  2. Hello Joke!
    What gorgeous photos you've taken of these very beautiful and inspiring flowers!
    A very good idea to remind us bout Narcissus's story!
    A bit of mythology on a Sunday is good!
    I am wondering if you took these shots with your new D5200?
    Once you'll have well in hand, you'll enjoy it fully! It's a great camera!
    Have a great Sunday; finally the sun is not out here today.... :(
    Warm greetings!

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  3. It seems to me you've made them even more beautiful. Each photo is quite captivating. I'm in awe!

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  4. I love the narcissus! Beautiful series of shots, great golden glow.

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