Echo and Narcissus: Understanding Origin Myths and Character Flaws

Read the myth "Echo and Narcissus" by Roger Lancelyn Green. Then, answer the following questions in complete sentences. Be sure to use evidence from the story to support your answers. Think about how this myth explains something about the world and what it reveals about the characters and the gods.

Like Persephone's story, which explains the seasons, this story is an origin myth. What natural phenomena does this myth explain? How does it explain it?

What is the major flaw in Echo's character? How was Hera's punishment appropriate for this flaw?

What is the major flaw in Narcissus's character? How was Aphrodite's punishment appropriate for this flaw?

Are the gods fair? What do you think of their actions in this myth? Explain your answer.