Echo and Narcissus

I found this images and found it very striking, it is another type or retelling of myth. The myth of Echo and Narcissus. This myth has always stood out to me, probably because it is so sad. I heard it years ago and it still hands in the back of my mind especially when I hear my own voice echo. I also sometimes think about it when I see a man due to his self centered actions ruin the chance for love. I heard it so long ago my telling of it is surely different from the original but here is my version, It begins with a disappointing fameriality, Zeus is committing infidelity against Hera. He decides to keep Hera from finding by keeping her occupied with a young girl named Echo. Echo will distract Hera with the Latest gossip and Zeus will slip off unnoticed. Hera sees through this ruse and is not amused.

Hera curses Echo, Echo can now only gossip repeating what others have said. Hera then casts out Echo. Meanwhile Narcissus has been wandering about. Narcissus is quite handsome and known for his vanity, he is downright obsessed with himself. Narcissus and Echo meet and Echo who is beautiful tries to communicate with Narcissus. It doesn't go very well and he is revealed to be rather uncaring believing that Echo is not worth his attentions, not that he really notices her at all.

Echo is crushed and leaves, in time her body in all its beauty fades away. Only Echo's voice trapped by Hera's curse remains, hiding in lonely places, still repeating what she overhears. Narcissus for his uncaring attitude gathers displeasure from one of the Gods, ( I don't know which, but they all tend to like to give out punishments). When Narcissus is wandering about he comes upon a clear pool of perfectly still water, a trap left as punishment. He looks in to the pool and becomes so captivated by his reflection he can't leave. He is happily trapped there staring at himself. Eventually another good takes pity on him and turns him into a flower the same one that now shares his name. The Narcissus flowers is known for growing by still waters and hanging over the water as if looking at its reflection (which it still is).

This Images is by the artist David Revoy and it think it beautifully retells the same tale. I found it on the site http://coolvibe.com. Its a large digital painting to fully appreciate it you may wish to view it full size. Echo with her music player repeating the Latest popular music, is holding what is think is a magazine or newspaper as she sits in her beauty. Echo is entirely unnoticed by Narcissus who is absorbed (captivated even) by his own reflection. Its the same sad story.

http://coolvibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Digital-Painting-David-Revoy-Narcissus-Echo.jpg