Why did Echo loose the ability to speak?

Echo lost the ability to speak as a punishment from the goddess Hera. According to Greek mythology, Echo was a nymph who loved to engage in conversation, but she distracted Hera with her chatter while Zeus, Hera's husband, was having affairs. In retaliation, Hera cursed Echo to only be able to repeat the last Words spoken to her, stripping her of her own voice and ability to communicate freely.