New Character: Echo

By Scarlet

What we know so far 

Echo has been hired by Zeus to be Hera's new assistant, despite Hera telling him she didn't want a new assistant earlier in the week (see episode..). It is never confirmed but it is strongly implied that Hera trusts nymphs as much as she trusts her husband, which isn't much at all. With this in mind, it is understandable why Hera would be suspicious of this new addition to her team. Echo, however she displays her worth by running interference with Apollo whilst complementing and reinforcing the fact that Hera is Queen.

Something that a lot of people in Olympus seem to take for granted, and it proves to be enough for Echo to ingratiate herself to Hera - for the time being, anyway. 

Echo in mythology

Perhaps looking more into the myths that surround this mysterious nymph could provide an insight into what is in store for Echo. 

Echo - Talbot Hughes (1869-1942) - PD-art-100

Echo and Hera 

Echo was an Oread nymph who lived on Mount Cithareon. Echo was considered by Aphrodite to have a beautiful and seductive voice. The mountain, and the nymphs who lived there, were visited often by Zeus. There are different tales that describe the nature of the relationship between Zeus and Echo. In some telling she is one of his many lovers, whilst in others Zeus commands her to help to keep his affairs with her sisters hidden. Hera became suspicious of Zeus' frequent visits to Mount Cithereon so descended from Olympus to investigate her husband's rumoured infidelity. When Hera arrived on the mountain she came across Echo who spoke at great length to the Queen of the Gods about life in the mountain and continuously flattered and complimented her. When Hera realised that it was all a ploy to distract her from further investigating, she cursed Echo to only be able to repeat the last two words said to her; an especially cruel fate considering that she is known for her singing voice. 

Echo and Narcissus - John William Waterhouse (1849-1917) - PD-art-100

Echo and Narcissus 

In some retellings Echo is involved in the famous Narcissus myths. After being cursed by Hera on Mount Cithereon, Echo wandered down into the valley. On her travels she came across a beautiful young huntsman known as Narcissus and fell in love with him. Narcissus was known for his beauty and his prideful nature. Unable to communicate with him, she watched from a distance as he tried to locate his companions. Eventually, he realised he was being followed and called out to his follower. Echo, however, could only respond by repeating the last words she had heard. Narcissus, believing that Echo was attempting to ridicule him, rejected her advances and cast her aside. Heartbroken, she silently prays to Aphrodite to make her disappear until all that remains is her voice. Aphrodite hears and agrees to her request leaving only the sound of Echo's voice. 

(Don't worry Narcissus gets what coming to him but that's all for another story!) 

Some Theories

So, looking back to the OG myths, we can speculate that poor Echo may be in for a rude awakening at the hands of the Queen of the Gods. But how will it play out? Is she spying on Hera for Zeus? Perhaps Zeus just wants another lover near by? Will we see her interact with Aphrodite?

So many questions and no clear answers. We'll just have to wait it out and see. 

---

YOU MIGHT LIKE: