Melancholy is a state of deep sadness or sorrow, often without a clear cause. It can be characterized by feelings of gloom, introspection, and a sense of longing. This emotional state has been explored in literature and art, where it is often depicted as a reflective and contemplative experience. Historically, melancholy was associated with the four humors in ancient medicine, particularly linked to an excess of black bile. In modern psychology, it can be related to conditions like depression, but it can also be a temporary feeling that arises from life events or changes.