The Power of the Flower in Myth

Posted by Robin Fowler Nov 14, 2006

Iris - Iris was the Greek goddess of the rainbow. She was also the personal messenger of Zeus and Hera, who would deliver messages to earth by travelling down her rainbow.

Hyacinth - As the legend goes, Apollo was in love with a handsome young Spartan named Hyacinthus. When he was instructing him on the art of discus throwing one day, Apollo accidentally killed the young man. A beautiful plant then sprung from the blood of Hyacinthus.

Narcissus - An extremely handsome boy, Narcissus was told by his mother that he would live a long, happy life as long as he did not gaze upon his own reflection. One day, he caught a glimpse of his image in the reflective waters of a spring. So enraptured by what he saw, he never left that spot, and wasted away. A beautiful flower replaced the lonely man.

Crocus - One day, Hermes and his good friend Crocus were playing together when the god accidentally struck him and killed him. At the place where Crocus died, a small flower sprouted up, and three drops of the young man's blood dripped onto the flower, forming the characteristic spots.