This dainty Narcissus on my balcony bloomed for the first time today. Since the temperatures are predicted to plunge again tonight, I decided to take a photo while it was still in good shape!
From “Greek Myths & Greek Mythology”
The Myth Of Narcissus In Modern Life And Art
“The myth of Narcissus is known also for one additional reason; the flower Narcissus that is found usually at the banks of rivers and lakes, took its name after the mythical hero. It is a graceful flower featuring 40 different species, mostly grown in Europe. It blooms in early spring and is considered fragile and very beautiful, with white, yellow and pink blossoms.
The Myth of Narcissus has inspired several artists as well; the most known is Caravaggio who painted a young man admiring his reflection in the water.
The painters Turner and Dali were also inspired by the myth, while poets, such as Keats and Housman, used his example in many of their works.
The Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky created several characters with the mentality and loneliness of Narcissus, such as Yakov Petrovich Golyadkin.”
Platform Number 4 
A wonderful celebration of the coming of a new season. Love the way you brought in art and literature, Becky!
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Thank you, Rebecca! I do love spring:)
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We used to bloom narcissus in long troughs on the window sill when I lived in Indiana. They would come out right around Christmas. These are special. Hope they don’t freeze.
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Yes, I’ve read that you can grow them indoors. That must have been pleasant around the holidays! I’ll move them a bit for protection tonight, I imagine…
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Good idea.
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They must have been so pretty, John!
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Smelled good too.
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Yes, they do!
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I haven’t seen any blooming narcissus in a long time.
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They are a treat:)
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I haven’t either. 😊
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beautiful photo — and good to hear the myth of Narcissus again: he doesn’t seem to appear much in modern works —
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Yes, I had rather forgotten about that story. Thanks, John!
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I think selfie culture has replaced Narcissus.
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Good point, Liz!
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I think you’re right —
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🙂
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Hahaha! Selfie culture is Narcissus!
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Yes!
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😀
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Lovely photo and interesting legend with poet and artistic tie-ins. If I remember correctly, the flower also smells very nice.
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You’re right, Pat, it does smell rather sweet when I get close. Thank you for visiting!
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My pleasure.
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I always found it amusing that it was a male admiring his reflection. I love the flowers. They are a harbinger of Spring!
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Same for me, on both counts, Linda. Thanks!
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Same for me as well.
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Here in Florida record low temps. But I know we’re lucky it doesn’t snow. Stay safe!
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Extreme weather in many places, it seems. Stay warm, Cynthia!
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Our temps have been bouncing around all over the place for the last couple of weeks.
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Well it’s gonna be mid-80s for the rest of the week…😎
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Not too shabby!
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Hope springs eternal, inspiring in so many ways… Lovely post, Becky!
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I appreciate that, Bette. Take care!
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Beautiful! I’ve always appreciated the myth of Narcissus. I’m also fascinated by the story of Echo. Such relevant myths in the time we live now. 🙂
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So true, Cristy!
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I’ve known a few narcissists in my time, and they weren’t nearly as attractive as the painting — or your flowers! I’ve seen both tulips and forsythia blooming in snow, so yours may fare just fine. It does look like you’re heading below freezing again, though — my sympathies! We’re only going to get to the upper 30s with this one.
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I hear you, Linda:)
Yes, they’ll probably be okay. I just moved them back a bit more because of the expected wind.
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Excellent post. Lovely flowers. Sounds as if we are going to have same weather you are. At least you, and your beautiful flowers, reminded all of us that spring is a possibility.
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Glad you like the flowers, Gigi! At least we aren’t expecting any snow this time.
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They are a beautiful flower. I’m excited for the signs of spring.
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Much appreciated, Marlene. Yes, spring is always a welcome sight no matter where one lives!
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I hope your garlic has made an appearance too!
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Hi Alanna, Oh, yes…the garlic scapes appeared even earlier, and I certainly enjoyed them!
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What a wonderful post: flower ➕ myth ➕ painting
Gorgeous
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Luisa, I’m happy you enjoyed it!
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I loved it ❣️❣️❣️
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nice to see those signs of spring!
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That’s for sure! Thanks, Jim!
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👍
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I remember when you were setting up your balcony garden.
I believe it has progressed to a Hope Garden!
The Myth of Narcissus is odd, as all Greek myths are. Odd and special, like your garden.
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Hope is a good theme for it, that’s for sure, with the temps going back into the 20s! Much appreciated, Resa.
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I love the narcissus when I lived in the Uk we had a roundabout close to our house which was just planted with the narcissus and it looked so beautiful in the spring…Thank you for the reminder Becky 🙂
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Sounds lovely, Carol!
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How lovely! And I was going over a story called ‘Narcissus’ yesterday with my writing buddy …
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Sounds interesting, Maria!
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It’s not cold here, but there’s a red storm warning – that kind of wind isn’t good for newly emerged plants! Not for gardeners either, so I’m staying in.
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Take care, Patsy!
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What a lovely first bloom! 🙂
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It made my day/week, Cecelia. Thank you!
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Hi Becky: Did you enter the giveaway for Someday We Will on Kathy Temean’s site?
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Hi Pam, I had missed Kathy’s announcement of my exciting win! Thanks so much, and I have sent her my address!
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I will be sending you a copy of Someday We Will. Do you want it signed to anyone in particular? Thanks!
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Thanks so much, Pam! This makes my day:) No one in particular for signing, as I’ll be sharing it with various grandchildren:)
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I hope it’s more spring than winter where you are now! Nacissus: such a pretty flower.
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We’re getting there, Cynthia, but it’s still been on and off. Thanks, and I’m wishing warm, sunny days for you, as well!
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I hope the weather has improved, and that your flowers survived the drop in temperature!
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Most of them did; thanks, Shauna!
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The Narcissus was one of my favorite flowers as a little girl, so your photo flooded me with sweet memories 🙂 Thank you!
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Happy to know that!
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