Storytelling Week 3: Echo and Narcissus

Echo and Narcissus on Wikimedia

As a curse from vengeful Juno, lovely Echo could not speak words of her own. Where once she was a great storyteller, she was reduced to only being capable to speak words that someone else had just spoken. Echo became a more solitary being, and walked alone in the woods often to think things over. Men and gods alike were no less enchanted with the young nymph after receiving Juno’s curse, but she paid them no mind. Echo had never considered falling in love until she happened to catch sight of a handsome mortal, Narcissus.

Narcissus was admired by all for his porcelain skin and curly hair, but these features spoke nothing of his personality. He was a demanding and selfish child who grew into a proud and arrogant adult with a sharp tongue. Echo knew none of this. She followed him deep into the woods where she had seen Narcissus and waited for him to speak so that she could return his call. Upon hearing a footstep, Narcissus called, “Is there anyone here?”, to which Echo softly called, “Here”. When the man laid eyes on the beautiful nymph, he was unphased by her charm. Uninterested in pursuing Echo, Narcissus continued on with his journey.

Stung by the harsh treatment of a human with such smugness, she trailed the man into town to observe his behavior. When Narcissus passed a merchant requesting that he consider buying some vegetables, he said smirking, “These products are almost as unholy looking as their producer. Perhaps if you were better looking, like myself, you would grow prettier vegetables.” Although Echo was known for her docile behavior, upon hearing such harsh speak, she was so angered that she tried calling to the gods to curse Narcissus. Remembering her predicament, she began praying internally: Oh, brilliant Juno, I know that you have cursed me forever. Do not let that stop you from hearing my plea. Curse wretched Narcissus for his proud behavior, and ensure that he becomes his own downfall.

Juno was intrigued from this single prayer from Echo, and did what was requested. The mighty goddess cursed Narcissus: “Arrogant man, from this point on you shall not speak cruelly unto others without also ruining yourself. Your beautiful face will surely not last long, yet you will fall more in love with yourself with every stain I place on your skin.”

From then on, every hateful word from Narcissus’ mouth put a wrinkle on his lovely face. Echo watched this degradation from the woods and felt satisfaction. No later than a week after the curse had been placed was proud Narcissus nearly unrecognizable. Being so sure of his handsome nature and with Juno’s curse, the man was unable to notice the folds appearing in his skin.

Intrigued by a glittering fountain one morning, Narcissus caught a glance of his reflection. Looking deeper into the pool, he stared at what he thought to be the most beautiful human that he had ever laid eyes on. He reached out to the image of himself, only for his arms to slice into the chilly water. He kept up with this behavior for days, until he was too physically weak to reach into the fountain any longer. Narcissus placed his face near the edge of the water in order to stare longingly at what he could never attain. He said, “I have been cursed, and I know it. Nevertheless, this unrequited love that I have for this beauteous reflection will be the end of me.”

So saying, Narcissus died on the fountain’s rim, heartbroken in the body of an old man.  

Author’s Note: I first heard of Echo’s story two semesters ago and have been intrigued ever since. In the original, I found Echo’s character to be weak. She shouldn’t have been heartbroken by a man who was not interested in her. In my version, she has a stronger personality and gets revenge. I also made Narcissus’ faults more apparent, and approached his curse with The Picture of Dorian Gray in mind. Unlike Dorian, however, Narcissus is unable to comprehend the damage done to his body by his deeds. His appearance and downfall serve to entertain Juno and Echo.

Ovid. Metamorphoses. 8 AD.

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