Echo and Narcissus facts for kids
The story of Echo and Narcissus is a famous myth from ancient Greece. It was written down by a Roman poet named Ovid in his book of poems, Metamorphoses. This tale is about a very handsome young man named Narcissus and a mountain spirit, or nymph, named Echo. They both experienced a sad kind of love.
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Echo's Curse
In this myth, Echo was a special nymph who worked for Zeus, the king of the gods. Her job was to keep Zeus's wife, Hera, busy with interesting stories. This allowed Zeus to spend time with other women without Hera noticing.
Hera's Jealousy
Hera was known for being very jealous and easily angered. She soon realized that Zeus was up to something. She mistakenly thought Echo was helping Zeus in a bad way. Because of this, Hera became very angry with Echo.
The Spell on Echo
Hera decided to punish Echo. She cast a powerful spell on the poor nymph. From that moment on, Echo could no longer speak her own words. She could only repeat the very last words that someone else had just said to her.
Narcissus and Echo Meet
Narcissus was a very handsome young man. One day, he was hunting in the woods and got separated from his friends. Echo, who was feeling sad because of her curse, was also wandering in those same woods.
Love at First Sight
The moment Echo saw Narcissus, she was amazed by his beauty. She fell deeply in love with him right away. But because of Hera's curse, she could not tell him how she felt. So, she quietly followed him, waiting for him to speak.
A Confusing Conversation
Eventually, Narcissus started calling out for his hunting companions. Echo eagerly stepped out from behind the trees. She repeated his words back to him. This led to a very confusing conversation, as Echo could only echo his last phrases. Narcissus became frustrated and pushed her away.
Echo's Sad Fate
Heartbroken, Echo ran away and hid in a cave. She was so sad that she stopped eating and sleeping. She just longed for Narcissus. Over time, Echo grew very thin from hunger. Her body slowly faded away until nothing was left but dust. Only her voice remained, still repeating the last words she heard.
Narcissus's Punishment
Later, the goddess of revenge, Nemesis, decided to punish Narcissus. She felt he was wrong for rejecting Echo's love. Nemesis made Narcissus fall in love with his own reflection.
The Reflection in the Pool
Narcissus saw his reflection in a clear pool of water. This pool was near the cave where Echo had faded away. He became completely obsessed with his own image. He could not pull himself away from the beautiful reflection.
Narcissus's End
Like Echo, Narcissus refused to leave the reflection. He was going to die from hunger and thirst. Before he passed away, he cried out to his reflection, "Farewell, dear boy. Beloved in vain." From the cave, Echo's voice repeated his sad words. Narcissus then died by the edge of the pool.
Echo's Voice Today
Even today, people say that Echo's voice can still be heard. Her voice calls back from inside caves and other hidden places. It forever repeats the last words spoken, just as it did for Narcissus.
