Throwback: Narcissus and Echo

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

This throwback episode of the Stories Podcast features host Amanda Weldon retelling the classic Greek myth of Narcissus and Echo for a family audience. The

Key takeaways

• Host Amanda Weldon frames the episode as a nostalgic archive retelling designed for children and families of all ages.
• Narcissus is portrayed as divinely gifted but morally flawed, believing himself to be a perfect work of art unworthy of common company.

Main topics

• Greek mythology adaptation
• Vanity and self-obsession

Notable quotes

"I'm a work of art, and you're just, well, you."

Conclusion

The episode delivers a soothing, morally grounded adaptation of classical mythology

Transcript preview

Speaker 1 (0:01) Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. We have Stories Podcast merch available at storiespodcast.com slash shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram at storiespodcast. If you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now here's a word from our sponsors. Speaker 1 (0:35) Now that school is underway for most of us, families have a better sense of where kids are thriving and where they may need a little extra support. iXL helps reinforce what they're learning in class and build confidence along the way. iXL is an award-winning online learning platform that helps kids truly understand what they're learning, whether they're building math confidence, strengthening reading and writing skills, or reviewing science concepts. From pre-K through 12th grade, IXL offers personalized, interactive learning that adapts to each child's level and pace. IXL gives kids personalized practice that reinforces concepts they're already learning at school and helps strengthen skills that may need more attention. Studies show students who use IXL perform better academically with proven results in all 50 states. Best of all, one subscription covers everything from pre-K through 12th grade for all the kids in your home. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now. And Stories podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20 % off IXL membership when they sign up today at www.ixl.com slash dragon. Visit www.ixl.com slash dragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Speaker 1 (1:51) Thanks! Enjoy the episode! Speaker 1 (1:55) Narcissus and Echo Speaker 1 (1:59) Once upon a time, in ancient Greece, there was a young man named Narcissus. From the minute he was born, it was clear to everyone that he was no normal baby. The ancient gods of Mount Olympus had gifted him with a beauty beyond measure. He was the cutest baby anyone had ever seen, and his cheeks were nearly perpetually pink from all the pinching. As he got older, he only grew more beautiful. His hair was the gentle tumble of a hidden waterfall over golden stones. His eyes were piercing moons that set sway to the tides of your mind. His smile was pure and bright and radiant, like the hot white sun of a midsummer's day, flooding you with warmth. Yes, young Narcissus was blessed by the gods with beauty. But if you're not careful, even a blessing can turn into a curse. For Narcissus, it started when he was just a teen. People noticed his beauty. They wanted to be married to him. They wanted to be him. They just wanted to be close to him and to make him happy. Unfortunately, all of that positive attention went right to his head. Before long, Narcissus was convinced that not only was he a beautiful, handsome, strapping image of a man, he was the most beautiful, the most handsome. and that he was simply the god's gift to the world. People would ask him to be friends, to walk with them in the woods or play with them at their games, and Narcissus would laugh in their faces. You want me to play with you? He would say. I'm a work of art, and you're just, well, you. Enjoy my beauty from afar, shout your praises, but don't come too close. Or else I'll have to see how much uglier you all are, and it will ruin my day. This