Greek MythsFamous Myths

Narcissus and Echo

A vain hunter falls in love with his reflection while a cursed nymph fades into a mere sound.

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Illustration for Narcissus and Echo - a famous myths Greek Myths story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Explore the tragic Greek myth of Narcissus and Echo. Witness the consequences of vanity and unrequited love in this classic tale of obsession and echoes.

Echo was a talkative nymph who once distracted Hera to protect Zeus's indiscretions. Enraged, Hera cursed her to only repeat the last words spoken to her. Echo eventually fell deeply in love with Narcissus, a hunter of breathtaking beauty but cold heart. When Narcissus cruelly rejected her advances, the heartbroken Echo retreated to the mountains, wasting away until only her voice remained. Witnessing this cruelty, the goddess Nemesis lured Narcissus to a shimmering pool. There, he saw his own reflection and fell instantly in love with the beautiful image. Unable to look away and realizing his love could never be returned, Narcissus withered away in sorrow. Where he died, a white and gold flower bloomed, forever bearing his name and nodding toward the water.

The Moral

Excessive vanity and self-obsession lead to isolation and destruction, while a lack of empathy for others eventually results in one's own undoing.

“He fell in love with an unattainable shadow, mistaking a reflection for a soul.”

Fun Fact

The Narcissus flower is biologically designed to grow near water and often has a drooping neck, which poets interpreted as the youth still looking at his reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Narcissus and Echo?

The story warns that excessive self-love and vanity can lead to a person's downfall. It also highlights how a lack of empathy toward others can result in profound loneliness and tragedy.

Why was Echo cursed by Hera?

Echo was cursed because she used her constant chatter to distract Hera, allowing Zeus to escape with other nymphs. Hera punished her by taking away her ability to speak first, leaving her only to repeat others.

How did Narcissus die in the myth?

Narcissus died of grief and exhaustion by a pool of water. He became so infatuated with his own reflection that he could not eat or sleep, eventually wasting away from unrequited self-love.

What does the word narcissism come from?

The psychological term 'narcissism' is directly derived from the character Narcissus. It describes a personality trait or disorder characterized by an excessive interest in oneself and one's physical appearance.

What happened to Echo at the end of the story?

After Narcissus rejected her, Echo hid in caves and remote mountains. She eventually wasted away from sorrow until her bones turned to stone and only her voice remained, echoing the words of others.

Who is Nemesis in the story of Narcissus?

Nemesis is the Greek goddess of retribution and divine vengeance. She heard the prayers of those Narcissus had spurned and caused him to fall in love with his reflection as a form of poetic justice.