The Tale of Narcissus and Echo
Curated by Erriketi Chini
Artwork by Philipp Konstantakis
Narcissus was a hunter known for his unique beauty. One day as he was hunting in the woods, Echo, a nymph, saw him and instantly fell in love with him.
The Tale of Narcissus and Echo
Curated by Erriketi Chini
Artwork by Philipp Konstantakis
One day, Echo was secretly following Narcissus. When he felt that there might be someone nearby, he asked, “Who is there?” Echo repeated, “Who is there?” She moved close to Narcissus, trying to hug him.
The Tale of Narcissus and Echo
Curated by Erriketi Chini
Artwork by Philipp Konstantakis
But arrogant Narcissus loved himself so much, he believed that nobody was equal to him and rejected those who loved him. So when Echo approached him, Narcissus told her to go away.
The Tale of Narcissus and Echo
Curated by Erriketi Chini
Artwork by Philipp Konstantakis
With her heart broken, Echo wandered into the forest, sad and lonely, becoming a shadow of herself. As time went by, all that was left was the sad sound of her echo.
The Tale of Narcissus and Echo
Curated by Erriketi Chini
Artwork by Philipp Konstantakis
When Nemesis (the goddess of revenge) learned of Echo’s story, she decided that Narcissus should be punished for his cruel behavior. Narcissus was selfish and self-centered, unworthy of true love. Nemesis, who punished the ungrateful but took pity on the unfortunate, gave Narcissus what he deserved...
The Tale of Narcissus and Echo
Curated by Erriketi Chini
Artwork by Philipp Konstantakis
One day, tired from hunting, Narcissus came to rest by a riverbank. He looked into the waters and saw his reflection. He saw a face as beautiful as his and fell in love! Captivated by this image, he could not leave the riverbank. And so he stayed by the river, looking at the face that looked back at him.
The Tale of Narcissus and Echo
Curated by Erriketi Chini
Artwork by Philipp Konstantakis
His mind was filled with only the face he saw. He stayed at the river so long, forgetting to eat or drink, that soon his legs took root, he arms turned into leaves, and Narcissus turned into a flower that gazed forever into the river.
The Tale of Narcissus and Echo
Curated by Erriketi Chini
Artwork by Philipp Konstantakis
Today, we can find Narcissus flowers near riverbanks still gazing at their reflections in the water.
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