Several languages have borrowed many words from Greek mythology. The names of their mythical figures have entered our vocabulary, each carrying the essence of their stories.
These words reflect timeless human traits — pride, beauty, obsession, ambition — and the lessons from these stories continue to shape how we think about ourselves and the world around us.
Narcissism – From Narcissus
The word narcissism comes from Narcissus, a young man known for his breathtaking beauty. In the myth, Narcissus sees his own reflection in a pool of water and falls deeply in love with it. Unable to look away, he wastes away and dies by the water’s edge.
Today, narcissism describes extreme self-obsession or vanity — a warning about the dangers of being consumed by your own image.
Atlas – From Atlas
Atlas was a Titan who fought against the Olympian gods and lost. As punishment, Zeus condemned him to hold up the sky for eternity. Often pictured carrying the weight of the heavens on his shoulders, Atlas became a symbol of burden and endurance.
Just as Atlas carried the sky on his shoulders for all to see, a geographic atlas displays the world on its pages — showing continents, oceans, and borders all in one place.
Tantalize – From Tantalus
Tantalize comes from the story of Tantalus, a king who offended the gods and was punished in the underworld. He was made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree — but whenever he reached for a bite, the branches would grow and the fruit slipped just out of reach.
The word tantalize captures that feeling of being tormented by something desirable yet unreachable — whether it’s food, success, or love.
Nemesis – From Nemesis
Nemesis refers to a powerful enemy or the force that has the potential to bring a person down. In the myth, Nemesis was the goddess of retribution who punished those who arrogantly defied the gods. She ensured that justice was served when mortals overstepped their place.
Today, a nemesis is not just a rival, but a fitting consequence — the downfall that comes from excessive pride.
Echo – From Echo
The word echo comes from the myth of Echo, a nymph with a mesmerizing voice who could charm anyone with her stories. But when she used her gift to distract Hera and protect Zeus, the goddess grew enraged and cursed her.
From that moment on, Echo could no longer enchant with her words — she was cursed and could only repeat the last words that were spoken to her. In complete despair, she retreated to a distant cave and slowly faded away — until only her voice remained.
Today, echo refers to a repeated sound — but the myth reminds us it also stands for all things that linger on.
