Psyche and Cupid, by François Gérard
Psykhe, Goddess of the Soul
The myth of Psykhe (or Psyche) describes her as a mortal princess of an unknown King. She was gifted with extreme beauty and grace, and transformed into a Greek Goddess after marrying Eros, the God of Love. Eros was also known as Cupid in Roman mythology. For the Greeks, Psykhe was the Goddess of the Soul or “Breath of Life.” In modern times, Psykhe symbolizes self-analysis and personal growth through learning and sacrificing, ultimately leading to profound transformation. Platonicus wrote this Greek parable over 1,800 years ago.
Jealous of Psykhe’s beauty, Aphrodite commanded her son, Eros, to make Psykhe fall in love with the most hideous of men. Instead, Eros fell in love with Psykhe, and whisked her off to his hidden palace. Eros hid his true identity from Psykhe, and forbade her from ever gazing upon his face. He visited her every night, only in total darkness, so as not to be seen. Psykhe’s two jealous sisters tricked her into believing that Eros was a monster that would eventually kill her, so she would have to save herself first. Disobeying Eros by lighting an oil amp at night in order to see his face to do this, he deserted Psyche. Psyche then discovered he was the God of Love himself. She wandered and searched the world for her lost love, and eventually came to plead her case before Aphrodite. The Goddess commanded her to perform three nearly impossible tasks in order to prove her love, which ultimately led Psyche on a journey to the Underworld. This earned Psyche a reunion with her love, Eros, and they were wed before all the Gods in a grand ceremony, living happily ever after.