In Greek mythology the beautiful Narcissus glimpsed his own reflection
in the waters of a spring and fell in love. But his was an impossible
passion and, filled with despair, he pined away. Over the years the myth
has inspired painters, writers, and film directors, as well as
philosophers and psychoanalysts. The tragic story of Narcissus, in love
with himself, and of Echo, the nymph in love with him, lies at the heart
of this collection of essays exploring the origins of the myth and some
of its many cultural manifestations and meanings relating to the self
and the self's relationship to the other. Through their discussion of
the myth and its ramifications, the contributors to this volume broaden
our understanding of one of the fundamental myths of Western culture.