Echo’s Curse, Narcissus’ Fall: Love That Couldn’t Be Heard

"Once upon a time, there was an enchanted forest. Surrounded by a beautiful mountain. Full of mysterious entities. Sparkling waters, forbidden fruits, mystical flowers, and mythical animals. The forest was home to witches, fairies, monsters, goblins, elves, and mountain nymphs. There lived a nymph named Echo. She was a free-spirited girl. Full of life. She always had something to say. Enriched with tons of words, she would entertain all with her charm. Master of words. She could weave amazing stories from her words, and the other person would not get bored. But she was extremely notorious. 

Infamous Echo used her talent for shenanigans. She would distract Goddess Juno by engaging in conversations so that her sisters would spend time with God Jupiter. One day, Juno caught Jupiter in the act and recognized Echo's role in enabling her husband's affairs. Furious, Juno cursed Echo to only repeat the last words spoken to her; hence, she lost her words and thus her charm. Saddened by the curse, Echo went into the deepest part of the forest to spend her life in solace. 

One day, while strolling around the lake, Echo spotted a hunter. She had not seen him around; he seemed like a traveler. The moment Echo saw him, she was mesmerized by his beauty. He was the most handsome nymph—Narcissus. Narcissus was a very beautiful nymph, the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. He was so lovely that everyone who saw him fell in Love, mortals and immortal. However, he rejected every other woman who approached him and never returned anyone's affections.

Echo fell in Love with Narcissus despite her curse and started following him in his journey through forest. She used to observe him from afar and appreciate him in her loneliness. One day, she mustered courage and tried to express her feelings. However, her ability to only repeat words made it difficult to communicate. When she approached him, she would just repeat Narcissus's words. Irritated by her inability to speak and not understanding her, Narcissus rejected her advances. 

Heartbroken, scorned, and embarrassed by Narcissus's rejection, Echo faded away; only her voice remained, repeating Narcissus' last words, echoing through the mountains. Echo's body soon wasted away, and she died in grief. All that remained of Echo was her voice, a sound that will always live on. Today, this sound is known as an echo.

Unaware of Echo's death, Narcissus was living happily, but his happiness was short-lived. One mysterious day, he saw his reflection in a still pool of water and became entranced by it, unaware that it was just an image. He fell deeply in Love with his own reflection, unable to look away and move away from reflection. He sat by his reflection for days, for months without food and water. Ultimately, he wasted away and died by the water's edge, consumed by unattainable desire and became the blueprint for narcissism."

Isn't it interesting? I felt sad about the unhappy ending and sympathised with Echo when I read this story. However, after some thought, I realised the deeper meaning and significance of this myth. Don't be an echo of someone's Narcissus. You deserve to be seen in your own story, not just reflected in someone else's story. You deserve a love where you matter and are acknowledged. 

Silence in a relationship is not always peace. It might be suppression; suppression of thoughts, emotions, desires, and will. Echo's curse wasn't just repetition but her inability to express herself, to speak for herself, and to reflect her own thoughts. Cursed, she always reflected on someone else's thoughts and words. 

Do not lose yourself by loving someone who can't love you back. Like Echo, some people pour all their emotions into someone unavailable, hoping their Love will eventually be returned. Remember, it's not just the other person's inability to love someone; their lack of ability to love you is the issue. So, don't give anyone the benefit of the doubt in any situation.

Self-love is healthy until it isn't. Narcissus didn't just have confidence; he had an unhealthy obsession. Narcissus fell in Love with an illusion, his reflection. Do not fall for a mirage, an illusion. Do assess the connection based on true feelings and genuine efforts. In dating today, some people are more in Love with how others see them. Often, they forget real intimacy. Beware the allure of the 'Perfect' person. Narcissus was flawless on the outside but incapable of Love. He was a shallow person, who could not see the beauty in others. No one is perfect; you must try to make your relationship perfect. 

He saw himself. She saw him. Neither saw Love and faded away with time. Fading away should never be the outcome of Love. Echo faded into nothing and remained as a voice haunting the woods. Relationships should add value to your life, not erase you. If Love makes you feel smaller, less seen, or forgotten — it's not Love. And if your relationship looks like this, it's a sign to walk away. Moving on is better for your self-expression, self-respect, and mental peace.

So, lovelies! It's time to tune in and let your voices be heard. Embrace your every emotion, express yourself fully, and pour your Love. You'll be amazed at how vibrant and beautiful life can become!