Narcissistic Odyssey from Gods to Mortals in Ovid’s Narrative: Qualitative Research Excerpts
Most of us would not recognize Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses.’ We do know the character’s of the prose: Zeus (Jove), Hera (Juno), Narcissus, Echo, and Nemesis. If you are a fan of psychology and the mythological characters, lets do a deep dive on the character’s narcissistic traits and their relationships.
Modern societies, including scholars, researchers, and the self-educated intellectuals, often herald topics as groundbreaking discoveries about the nature of being human. But have we truly made such revelations? I acknowledge being engrossed in the latest advancements. However, it’s worth considering how a poet from the 8th century could weave a narrative that aligns with specific criteria for narcissistic personality disorders without the aid of a DSM 5 manual.
Information and research related to mental health and counseling is necessary. I must say that much of this information on the market isn’t entirely new. Rather, it can be a rediscovery of past knowledge which is relevant and important for the modern issues and difficulties we experience today.
Ancient civilizations possessed remarkable insight and knowledge into human nature, surpassing what we often credit them for. Their accomplishments when recognized propels the fundamental aspects of human existence by incorporating the parallel relevance of historical narrative as it plays out in the here and now of today. Seeing ourselves as we are is by definition ‘awareness’; and that takes us one step closer to autonomy.
Part 2: Scene Analysis: Drama Unraveled – Exploring the Characteristics of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Scene 1: Conflict or Conceit
As the ancient stories tell, the celestial drama begins with a clash between none other than Juno, the esteemed Roman queen of the gods—known as Hera in Greek mythology—and her counterpart, Jove. Jove, as you know, is Zeus in the Hellenic pantheon and Jupiter in Roman legend. Like many siblings, divine or mortal, they fought to prove superiority over each other in various aspects of their lives. Yep, just your typical sibling rivalry. It all became too much for the other gods and goddesses on Mount Olympus, so they invented conflict resolution. Well, not really, but it’s a possibility.
Frustrated, the deities agreed to settle their latest argument. I’m keeping this story PG so if you need the details use your favorite search engine by asking “In Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses Jove and Juno what was the conflict Tiresias settled?” You will have the answer.
Scene 2: Tie breaker or Not
Entering stage right as the tiebreaker was Tiresias; pronouns he/she/they, who at that time served as a mediator for both humankind and the gods. Tiresias found themself in an impossible position, with the odds of making a good or bad decision evenly split. Tiresias’s has been in no win situations before often ending in change in gender after angering the losing goddess or god. Needless to say, Tiresias was weary but sided with Jove, or Zeus if you’ve forgotten. Juno (Hera) was applauded. In retaliation, reacted by blinding Tiresias. I suppose the rules of conflict resolution did not extend to the mediator, poor Tiresias. There was always a price they would pay.
Once Juno exited the stage, Jove (Zeus), though victorious, was unable to reverse Tiresias’ injury. It seems Jove (Zeus) wasn’t superior in all aspects. Instead as retribution, he granted Tiresias the gift of prophecy, making them a seer in ancient times.
Scene 3: Privilege of Entitlement
While Mount Olympus settled down, Narcissus, a beautiful baby, was born. His parents, Cephissus (Dad) and Liriope (Mum) were very proud. Also by this time, Tiresias made use of their new abilities and built a thriving capitalistic business, foretelling the future for customers.
Liriope was worried about her baby’s future and beauty which attracted unwanted attention of suitors of all genders. What’s a mum to do in ancients times? She hired Tiresias of course to predicted any perils that could be avoided. Knowledge is power. That moto was invited back then too. Hmm – maybe not. Heck, I who really knows. Back to Liriope’s prophetic plan. Tiresias did have a warning for Liriope. The boy would live a grandeur life … Tiresias walks away and whispers to himself, “only if he never came to know himself.” It appears, Tiresias shying away from disclosing bad news. And who could blame them. One day they wake up a male, by the weekend they are female, and who knows what occurred during holidays.
Scene 4: Old Habits – Same Results
Some time had passed, and Juno (Hera) and Jove (Zeus) were married. Hey, They’re Royals. Feel free to add any innuendos you want here; this is an interactive story. Although old enough to marry, it seems that time did not improve the newlywed’s maturity level or communication skills. They neglected to discuss what type of marriage they were agreeing to when they said their “I do’s.”
Juno (Hera) was committed to monogamy. Jove (Zeus), on the other hand, planned on an open marriage. Shortly after the nuptials, Juno became suspicious that Jove was having affairs. And, he was. Jove was sneaking out of Mount Olympus for his extramarital flings and was almost caught in the act. He lacked the courage to discuss the concept of nonmonogamy. Instead, to avoid confrontation with Juno, he devised a backup plan to continue his clandestine escapades. After all Tiresias lost the use of his eyesight by Juno’s fury, and Jove knew exactly what he could lose if caught.
Being the winner of the adolescent competition gave Jove (Zeus) certain contractual rights. Jove ordered the nymph Echo as a lookout. Echo, doing her job, intercepted Juno (Hera) who was about to find Jove in a compromising position. Echo kept Juno occupied with gossip while Jove snuck out of sight. Realizing she had been betrayed by her closest friend, Juno took away Echo’s ability to have a conversation, for all eternity. Because, well she could. Echo could only repeat the last few words she heard. Juno was the queen of payback. Mess with her, and prepare to be lose it forever.
Scene 5: No Echoes of Empathy
Now we come to the featured story about Narcissus who is now 16 years young. He was walking in the forest when Echo, catching sight of the statuesque boy, stealthily followed him from a distance. Yes, this is the first recorded instance of stalking in ancient storytelling. For Echo this was love at first sight, or mere infatuation, or did Narcissus’ beauty possess a magical irresistible allure? I don’t know. Rest assured, unwanted stalking would certainly be cause for an arrest warrant in Texas, just saying.
Back to the story: Narcissus, sensing something amiss, asked, ‘Is anyone here?’ Echo, discovered and embarrassed, could only utter a single word in response: ‘Here!‘ Echo wanted to express her feelings and love; restricted to repeating Narcissus’ last spoken word. Unable to confess her love, Echo resolved to show him. Needless to say, he was creeped out by a total stranger who wouldn’t introduce themselves, obviously been trekking him like a hunter the woods, and then throws herself at him. Echo, rejected, humiliated, and heartbroken, remained passionately fixated on Narcissus with an obsessive desire. Narcissus was clueless about what just occurred, abandoned the distraught girl and fled the scene.
Scene 6: Mt. Olympus Vigilante
Nemesis witnessed the whole drama play out between Echo and Narcissus. Oops, who’s Nemesis, you ask? She is Zeus’ daughter, I mean, Jove. For extra clarification, Nemesis is not Juno’s (Hera) child.
Marked by her own experience of rejection and abandonment issues, Nemesis ascended as the goddess of revenge, the MTO (Mt. Olympus) vigilante. Hell hath no fury like a Nemesis scorned. Nemesis was easily scorned. She was the very embodiment of fury. Her personal mission to ensured that those who wronged others wouldn’t escape the ferocity of consequences.
It’s worth noticing that Narcissus responded to Echo’s behavior. However, he showed no interest in understanding her obvious distress or even checking if she was in danger. On a positive note, Narcissus did nothing to harm Nemesis. Nemesis was just offended and highly reactive. Nemesis offered no aid whatsoever to victims she ‘defended’. She did nothing to help Echo, console her, or advocate for the return of her voice. Nemesis didn’t even extend a hand to help the girl to her feet. Despite Narcissus’s appearance of innocence, Nemesis condemns him to unrequited love and eternal suffering.
Final Scene 7: Perfection Pitfalls
Narcissus had every reason to be terrified. He has know idea that he is cursed. Running away made the teen desperately thirsty, all Narcissus desired was a sip of cool, fresh water. The good-looking charmer got his wish and took refuge by a pool of water so pure, clear, and untouched. A scene reminiscent of Disney’s Snow White.
Satisfied, Narcissus leaned in for a drink and was captivated by a being looking back – so mesmerizing and beautiful that it stole his very breath. He has no awareness of his own reflection. Enraptured by its allure and sensual gaze, he fell deeply in love with the being. The being seemed to know Narcissus’s very soul. The words shared together were spoken in perfect unison. Reacting and laughing always as one. Narcissus knew, no one would matter more. Surrounded by the bounty of the forest, rainbows and unicorns, and captivated by the beauty of his first and only love, Narcissus professed an commitment to be bound to the being for all eternity.
Time as is does in ticks away. Narcissus paralyzed by self absorbed love became oblivious to hunger, cold nights, or scorching sunrays. Yet his beloved offered no solace, nourishment, or attempt at rescue or comfort. Narcissus eventually realized a delicate ripple in the pool. At that moment, he knew the being staring back, ‘The Narcissist,’ would never release him from his committed promise.
Ovid’s story ends as Narcissus slowly and painfully turns into a field of daffodils, withering away by the pool that once refreshed him. While the predator, ‘The Narcissist’ without regret or remorse continues on, waiting for the next replacement.
Fable Fatale
Ovid’s poignant myth explores the mythical character’s perilous dance between love relationships, emotional manipulation, self-sabotage, and traits of narcissistic ancient personalities. It traces Narcissus’ descent into a self love that consumes him. It reveals the two faces of Narcissus, the innocence in appearance only and the very real predator ‘Narcissist’. The characters, use of emotional neglect, manipulation, self-absorption, and a distorted perception of love, demonstrates the complete emotional and physical self-destruction of the one they control and will ultimately discard.
Reference:
Title: The Metamorphoses of OVID translated into English Prose
Author: Riley, Henry T.
Retrieved: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Metamorphoses/C21fAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PR1&printsec=frontcover
Year: 1919
Publisher: Bell & Sons LTD
Pages: 554