In Greek mythology Echo was a wood nymph who loved a beautiful young man named Narcissus. Narcissus was loved by many but really just loved himself. Echo's passion for Narcissus was equaled only by her passion for talking, and she always had to have the last word. One day Echo helped Hera's adulterous husband Zeus escape being discovered in a compromising situation by distracting Hera with her constant talking. When Hera discovered Echo's treachery, she cursed Echo by taking away her ability to speak other than repeating back what was spoken to her. Echo tried to gain Narcissus's attention, but since she could only repeat back what he said, he soon tired of her.
The gods noted Narcissus's arrogance and decided to punish him, so they sent Nemesis to lure him to a pool of water. When he caught a glimpse of what he thought was a beautiful water spirit, he fell in love with his own reflection. He could not move or bear to look away; he did not eat or drink. He stared at himself until he wasted away. His body disappeared and a flower, the Narcissus (or daffodil), grew in his place. Poor Echo, desolate after his death, wasted away as well until only her voice, the echo, was left.