Narcissus

The derivation of the Latin narcissus is from Greek νάρκισσος narkissos. According to Plutarch narkissos has been connected because of the plant's narcotic properties, with narkē "numbness"; it may also be connected with hell. On the other hand, its etymology is considered to be clearly Pre-Greek by Beekes.

It is frequently linked to the myth of Narcissus, who became so obsessed with his own reflection in water that he drowned and the narcissus plant sprang from where he died. There is no evidence for the flower being named for the youth. Narcissus poeticus, which grows in Greece, has a fragrance that has been described as intoxicating. Pliny wrote that the plant was named for its fragrance, not the youth. Furthermore, there were accounts of narcissi growing long before the story of Narcissus appeared. It has also been suggested that daffodils bending over streams represent the youth admiring his reflection. The name Narcissus was not uncommon for men in Roman times.

The name "daffodil" is derived from "affodell", a variant of asphodel. The narcissus was frequently referred to as the asphodel. Asphodel in turn appears to come from the Greek "asphodelos". The reason for the introduction of the initial "d" is not known. From at least the 16th century, "daffadown dilly" and "daffydowndilly" have appeared as alternative names. Other names include "Lent lily".



+9,1°C, sunny