Echo And Narcissus: Cursed Ability To Speak And Punishment Of Selfish Love And Vanity

A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com - It is a literary work that has inspired numerous works of art through the centuries and is considered one of the most touching stories ever written.

Due to this beautiful story, we learn the meaning behind the word 'Echo' that originates in the Greek myth about a mountain nymph whose ability to speak was cursed, leaving her able only to repeat the last words spoken to her.

To this day, Echo's voice is heard from labyrinths, caves, the walls of forests, mountain slopes, rocks, and ravines, according to an ancient belief.

This myth tells a story of punishment for rejecting love and boundless selfishness and self-admiration that hurts. It even speaks about misdirected and unfulfilled love.

According to Ovid, one of the great ancient Roman poets, Zeus gave the mountain nymph Echo the task of entertaining and distracting his wife, Hera and keeping her from discovering his erotic escapades.

Friendly and fun-loving individual, Echo was a favorite friend of Artemis.

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See also: 

The Curse Fell On King Midas And His Gold Desire Became A Nightmare

Tane: Lord Of The Forest Who Brought Three Baskets Of Knowledge To People In Maori Mythology

Miraculous Cauldrons Of The Ancient Celtic World

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