One-Way Love Affairs: Narcissus and Echo

Greek mythology is the fountainhead for many stories. I have just read about the unrequited love of Echo and the self-love of Narcissus. As the story went, Zeus was one helluva playboy and he indiscriminately cavorted every nymph that he laid eyes on. To prevent him from doing so, Hera, his wife followed him everywhere. Zeus, that cunning fellow, got Echo, a nymph to keep Hera busy through conversation so that he can go about his wanton business. Alas, Hera found out about the ploy and cast a spell upon Echo. From then on, Echo could no longer speak unless spoken to and she could only echo the same sounds made. She lead a sad and lonely existence.

One day, she met Narcissus admiring his reflection in a clear pool. Echo fall in love with him but cursed by Hera, she could not express her feelings to him. Narcissus rejected Echo's feelings bcause of self-love and she pined away until all that was left of her was an echo. Narcissus, meanwhile, drowned in a pool after hearing echoes of his own voice."Come to me!". Heartbroken, Echo went to arrange for the burial of Narcissus but on returning, only found a flower with a yellow centre with white petals floating on the pond. We called that flower narcissus today.

Interesting story, don't you agree?

Quote of the Day:

Heartsong