AMEINIAS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
The tale of Ameinias is a minor one from Greek mythology, linked closely with the myth of Narcissus, and is a tale of unrequited love and suicide.
The Tale of Ameinias
|
The story of Ameinias survives but in one surviving source from antiquity, coming from Conon’s Fifty Narrations, and the surviving one paragraph summaries from the library of Photius (Patriach of Constantinople).
Ameinias was a young man, possible from Thespiae, who fell in love with the beautiful Narcissus. Narcissus was one of the most beautiful of all mortals, but rejected all advances from men and women. |
|
Most potential lovers of Narcissus quickly accepted the rejection, clearly aware of that Narcissus was capable of only loving himself.
Ameinias though, was persistent and time after time he was rejected by Narcissus. One final rejection though would occur, and Narcissus would present the spurned Ameinias with a sword. Ameinias would commit suicide, falling on the sword, on the very doorway of Narcissus’ home.
Before he fell on the sword though, Ameinias prayed to the goddess Nemesis to avenge him. Nemesis heard the prayer, and cursed Narcissus so that Narcissus fell in love with own reflection in a pool of water.
Hesychius of Alexandria suggests that Ameinias upon his death was transformed into a herb, one of anise, cumin or dill
Ameinias though, was persistent and time after time he was rejected by Narcissus. One final rejection though would occur, and Narcissus would present the spurned Ameinias with a sword. Ameinias would commit suicide, falling on the sword, on the very doorway of Narcissus’ home.
Before he fell on the sword though, Ameinias prayed to the goddess Nemesis to avenge him. Nemesis heard the prayer, and cursed Narcissus so that Narcissus fell in love with own reflection in a pool of water.
Hesychius of Alexandria suggests that Ameinias upon his death was transformed into a herb, one of anise, cumin or dill
|
|
Colin Quartermain - Ameinias - 21st January 2024