教員コラムBlog

  1. home
  2. 教員コラム / Blog
  3. 詳細 / Detail

The Story of Narcissus and Echo

2024.02.05

Photo Credit: Engin Akyurt @Pexels.com 

 

The ancient Greeks told stories about their gods and heroes. These stories, or myths, helped to form western culture. There are many English words that come from Greek mythology. Two such words come from the story of Narcissus and Echo. Below is a retelling of the myth based on the writing of Ovid, a Roman poet. 

 

Once there was a youth named Narcissus, who was 16 years old but appeared to be a man. He was so handsome that others fell in love with him. However, Narcissus cared only about himself and spurned the many youths who sought his attention and love. 

 

Hera, the queen of the gods, was looking for her unfaithful husband, Zeus. She saw the nymph Echo playing in the woods. Hera was envious of Echo’s gaiety, or cheerfulness, and so she cursed her by making it impossible for her to speak except for repeating what others said. 

 

Echo would often see Narcissus walking through the woods alone or with friends and, like all the other maidens, she fell in love with him. 

 

One day, when Narcissus was in the forest alone, he heard Echo step on a branch. “Who is there?” he called out. Echo could only respond by repeating his words, “Who is there?” 

Narcissus responded, “Come to me.” 

And Echo replied, “Come.” 

“Why?” replied Narcissus. “Why are you avoiding me?” 

“Avoiding me,” replied Echo. 

“Come and introduce yourself,” said Narcissus, “I wish to meet you.” 

“Meet you,” replied Echo. 

 

She came out from behind a tree and up to Narcissus. She put her arms around his neck and looked him in the eyes. But Narcissus pushed her away and ran. 

 

Echo disappeared into the forest and found a cave where she hid herself--her heart still loved Narcissus. Eventually, Narcissus’ arrogance angered the gods. One day, he grew thirsty and found a small pond. One of the gods made the pond silvery bright so that, when Narcissus bent over to take a drink, he saw his own reflection, which was so beautiful that it matched that of the god Apollo. Narcissus fell in love with the image of his own face. He stared into the pond and forgot all else, including food. He remained for days until his body grew weak. Narcissus knew he was close to death and called out, “Farewell.” 

 

Echo heard him and responded, “Farewell.” She went back to her cave and lived there all alone. Her body wasted away and shriveled up until it was gone. The only thing that remained was her voice, which still repeats back what is said. 

 

From this story, we get the English words narcissist and echo. What do you think they mean?

 

Glossary 

myth: a traditional story often involving supernatural beings, such as gods, faeries, and nymphs.


spurn: to reject because you think the other person is unworthy


nymph: a nature spirit


arrogance: thinking that you are better and more important than others; overbearing pride


reflection: the image of something in a mirror or clear body of water 

 

 

Questions: 

 

Q1. After reading the story, what do you think the word narcissist means?  


a. a handsome young man

b. someone who thinks about or admires only him or herself

c. someone who enjoys walking in the forest  

 

Q2. What is an echo?  


a. someone who lives in a cave 

b. a young woman who is in love 

c. the sound that repeats back to you when you call out 

 

Q3. Why did Narcissus die?  


a. He didn’t eat because he couldn’t stop looking at his own reflection 

b. Because Echo no longer loved him 

c. He had nothing to drink 

 

 

Scroll down ↓ for the answers 

 
















 

Answers

A1. b

A2. c

A3. a

戻る / go back

Related posts