Greek Myths

Echo and Narcissus

        This myth explains how echos came to be. And there is also a life lesson learned in this myth which I will ask at the end of the story.

        Deedee

        Nymphs who served Hera lived on the lower part of Mt. Olympus. When they were not tending to Hera, they sang, dance, and played by streams and beautiful waterfalls in the wooded glades. Within this group, Echo was the happiest and laughed the most. She also told the best stories. Since she told the best stories, she was often sent to distract Hera to forget to be jealous and watchful when her sisters planned something fun, or if Zeus wanted another's company.

        Echo was Hera's favorite, and when she gazed upon Echo sternly, her gaze softened. She would smile and ask what tale Echo planned to tell her that day. Echo would sit at Hera's feet and start her tale, whether it was a new one or an old one she change to her liking. Or she'd talk about herself and what she does. Her stories and alluring voice were irresistible, often making Hera forget time slipping away while she listened to the tale. Echo's friends enjoyed the time they had to themselves without fearing the anger of their mistress.

        But one day, Hera found out the trick Echo had been playing for so long, and her anger caused her to curse Echo. She told Echo that the gift of speech she'd used on Hera would be no more. Echo wouldn't be able to start a conversation, nor will she be able to end it. She was doomed to forever repeat whatever was last said by the person who spoke to her, or any voice that spoke for that fact. She would never be able to speak her mind.

        Echo longed to speak to Hera, to beg for her forgiveness, but she could not speak. She felt compelled too say what others had said, whether she wanted to or not. She left her happy home, where her sisters still played, and went into the high forest of the mountain, sorrowfully. 

        Though this changed when, one day, a young man named Narcissus, lost his friends in the hunt they were on. When he tried to find them, he only wandered deeper into the forest, becoming even more lost. He was young, yet very attractive. Even though he looked kind, his heart was as hard as steel. The day Narcissus was born, a blind seer named Teiresias, made a weird prophecy about him. "So long as he knows not himself he shall lie and be happy."

        Narcissus grew up spoiled; he knew he was handsome and used this to his advantage, he found it easy to get what he wanted from others using his looks. Many young women loved him, but he only used them for his own personal gain, then left them in the dust. Narcissus knew nothing about love, for he never felt it himself. Narcissus knew love may bring the best of joys, but it also brings the most sorrow. If your love did not love you back, he knew that brought you great pain. Therefore he protected his heart from any and all pain.

        Echo had saw Narcissus wandering alone and fell hard for him. She would follow him wherever he went. She hid behind trees and rocks, or in bushes, so he couldn't see her. Soon Narcissus realized he was truly lost, so he started to shout for his friends. "Where are you?" he'd cry out.

        "Where are you?" Echo would answer.

        When Narcissus heard her voice, he stopped and listened, yet heard no more. So he called out again. 

        "I am here in the woods.....Narcissus."

        "In the woods.....Narcissus," she'd repeat.

        "Come forth," he cried.

        "Come forth," she'd mock.

        Narcissus looked around try to seek the one who spoke, yet could not spot anyone.