Psykhe Psyche

8/12/2019 Psykhe Psyche

1/26

2403497737 ISO-8859-1 ISO-8859-1 GALT:#008000;G en

PSGreek Name Transliteratio

Psykh

PSYKHE (or Psyche) was thegoddessof the soul, wife ofErosgod of love.

She was once a mortal princess

whose astounding beautyearned the ire of Aphroditewhen men turned their worshipfrom goddess to girl.Aphroditecommanded Eros make Psykhefall in love with the mosthideous of men, but the godhimself fell in love with her andcarried her away to his secretpalace. However Eros hid histrue identity, and commandedher never to look upon his face.

Psykhe was eventually trickedby her jealous sisters intogazing upon the face of god,and he abandoned her. In herdespair, she searchedthroughout the world for herlost love, and eventually cameinto the service of Aphrodite.The goddess commanded her peculminated in a journey to the Uwith Eros and the couple wed in

Psykhe was depicted in ancient

the company of her husband Eroportrayed, the second perhaps b

PARENTS

Mortal parents (Apuleius 4.28)

OFFSPRING
http://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/olympian-gods.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/olympian-gods.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Aphrodite.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Aphrodite.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Aphrodite.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Galleries.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Encyc_A.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/http://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Aphrodite.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/olympian-gods.html


2/26

HEDONE(byEros)(Apuleius 6.24)

ENCYCLOPEDIA

PSYCHE (Psuch), that is, "brea

of antiquity, as a personificatioiv. 28, &c.) relates about hePsyche was the youngest of excited by her beauty the jeavenge herself, the goddess orfor the most contemptible of albeauty that he himself fell in loto some charming place, wheevery night, and left her as smight have continued to have happiness, if she had attendegive way to her curiosity, or sisters made her believe that in

some hideous monster, and ashe approached him with a lammost handsome and lovely offear, a drop of hot oil fell fromAmor, who censured her for hwas now gone all at once, andherself into a river, she wanderafter her beloved, and at lengtreal sufferings began, for Venuinmposed upon her the hardewould have perished under thewho still loved her in secret, inlabours. With his aid she at laand hatred of Venus; she becaever. It is not difficult to recognis merely the mythical embodsoul, which is purified by passiofor the enjoyment of true and represented as a maiden with in the different situations descr

Source: Dictionary of Greek an

Apuleius, The Golden Ass 4. 28 "In a certain city there lived a kdaughters. The two elder ones wto humans was thought sufficienyoungest girl [Psyche, Psykhe] wpoverty of human language couit. In consequence, many of heron hearing the report of this macrowds. They were dumbstruck
http://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Hedone.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Hedone.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Hedone.html


3/26

They would press their hands toupright thumb, and revere her wother than Venus [Aphrodite] hethe nearest cities and borderingsprung from the dark-blue depthfrom the frothing waves was now

among random gatherings of corather than the sea was newly imsprouted forth a second Venus [virginity.This belief grew every day beyowidespread; it swept through ththe mainland and numerous proand travelled over the deepest ceyes on this famed cynosure of Cnidos, or even Cythera to catchthose places were postponed, shthreadbare, rites went unperform

the altars were bare and grimy wentreated in prayer. People gazeappeasing the divine will of the memerged in the mornings, they sVenus with sacrificial victims andher with wreaths and flowers to way through the streets. Since dexcessive way to the worship of[Aphrodite] was fiercely kindledtossed her head, let out a deep Here am I, the ancient mother elements, the Venus that tends glory of my majesty with a mort

niche in heaven is degraded by tto share with another the supplivague adoration by proxy, allowmy double? What a waste of effojustice and honesty won the appmatchless beauty superior to thwhoever she is, is not going to emine; I shall soon ensure that srights!She at once summoned her son whose own bad habits show his rampaging through people's houarrows, undermining the marriadisgraceful behaviour, and nothnature made him excessively wamother's words. She took him ain the flesh (that was the girl's ntheir rivalry in beauty, and grumadded: I beg you by the bond owounds which your darts inflict of yours: ensure that your moth


4/26


5/26

ineffectual tears? Why do you grdo you tear at your grey locks? to me? What fine rewards my peyou experience the mortal wounthose tears, that lamentations foawakened when nations and com

honours, when with one voice th[Aphrodite]. Only now do I realithe title of Venus bestowed on mwhich fate has consigned me. I mine. Why should I postpone orfor the destruction of the whole After this utterance the maiden attached herself to the escortingway to the appointed rock set oninstalled the girl on its peak, thebehind the marriage-torches whdoused with their tears, and wit

The girl's unhappy parents, worthemselves in the gloom of theirthemselves to a life of perpetualBut as Psyche wept in fear and tZephyrus' (the West Wind's) kinhem of her dress this way and tgradually drew her aloft, and widownward. She glided down in tvalley below. In that soft and grthe couch of the dew-laden turf.had subsided, and she enjoyed enough to feel refreshed, she gowas a grove planed with towerin

with glassy waters. At the centrestream was a royal palace, the wcraftsmanship. You would know viewing the birth and attractive artistically panelled with citron-wcolumns. The entire walls were wcattle met the gaze of those whothis silver into animal-forms wasbeen a demigod or even a god. pictures formed by mosaics of pmore than twice blessed are thoThe other areas of the dwelling tincalculably costly. All the walls gold, so that if the sun refused tdaylight. The rooms, the colonnThe other riches likewise reflectewould be justified in thinking thamighty Jupiter [Zeus] when he wPsyche, enticed by the charmingnearer, and as her assurance grthe surpassing beauty of the sce


6/26

detail. Her eyes lit upon store-rohouse; they were crammed withimaginable was missing, and whbreath-taking abundance of suchouse had no protection whatevAs she gazed on all this with the

addressed her: Why, may lady,of wealth? All these things are yweariness on your bed, and takehear are those of your handmaidneeds. Once you have completelaid before you.Psyche felt a blessed assurance provision. She heeded the suggetaking a nap and then a bath to semicircular couch and table cloher to understand that all was sreclined there. Immediately win

plates of food were placed beforunsupported on a gust of wind. heard words emerging from thinvoices. When she had enjoyed tperformed unseen, while anothelikewise invisible. Then the harmears, so that it was clear that a person could be seen.The pleasant entertainment caminduced Psyche to retire to bed. genial sound met her ears. Sinceshuddered in her fear for her virpresence more than any other m

arrived and climbed into the beddeparted before dawn broke. Atchamber tended the new bride'sover a long period and this new delightful to Psyche as she grewunidentified voice consoled her lMeanwhile her parents were agithe news spread wider, her eldesadness and grief they vied withmaking straight for their parentsthem.That night Psyche's husband (heand hear him) said to her: SweFortuna [Tykhe, Fortune] growsmortal danger. I charge you: shworried at the rumour that you this rock to search for traces of of grief, you are not to respond,you will cause me the most painyourself.Psyche consented and promised


7/26

when he had vanished in compathe whole day crying and beatinall was up with her, for here sheprison, bereft of conversation weven to offer consoling relief to allowed even to catch a glimpse

relaxation made her feel better,At that moment her husband caShe was still weeping, and as heIs this how the promise you maWhat is your husband to expect torturing your self night and dayhusband and wife. Very well, habound inclination. But when yousober warning which I gave youThen Psyche with prayers and thhusband to yield to her longing he also allowed her to present th

jewellery she chose. But he kepfrom being ever induced by the her husband's appearance. She tumble headlong from the lofty thereafter his embrace.She thanked her husband, and wrather die a hundred times thanwith you. For I love and cherish much as my own life, and I valuBut one further concession I begZephyrus (the West Wind) spiritwafted me down.She pressed seductive kisses on

snuggled close to soften him. Shmy honey-sweet, darling husbanHer husband unwillingly gave waimpassioned whispers, and promdrew near, he vanished from his

Z31.1 PSYCHE,

EROS

Z31.2 PSYCH

EROS

"Psyche's sisters enquired about
http://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.1.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.1.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.1.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Gallery/Z31.1.html


8/26


9/26


10/26

would bring her, she rejoiced at mother. She eagerly counted thand as a novice bearing an unknpinprick of a moment could causwomb.But now those baneful, most ab

hastening on their impious way poison. It was then that Psyche'her: This is the day of crisis, thetroublesome members of your shave now seized their arms, strusounded the trumpet-note. Yourand are aiming at your jugular. direful, dearest Psyche. Take pitcontrol to deliver your house anchild of ours from the unhappy deyes on, or open your ears to, thcall your sisters because of their

which they have trodden underfSireni they lean out over the cradeath-dealing cries!Psyche's response was muffled wyou had proof of my trustworthitoo my resolution will likewise wprovide his services again, and aconsolation for your unwillingnebeg you by these locks of yours all round your head, by your cheyour breast which diffuses its hifeatures as reflected at least in tprayers of this careworn supplia

sisters' embraces. Then you willown devoted and dedicated deathe very darkness of the night isto which I cling.Her husband was bewitched withaway her tears with his curls, prdeparted before dawn broke.The conspiratorial pair of sistersbreakneck speed they made straand without waiting for the presthemselves down with impudentZephyrus, somewhat unwillinglythem in the bosom of his favourearth. Without hesitation they athe house, and counterfeiting thprey. With joyful expressions ththey treasured within them, andPsyche, you are no longer the limagine what a blessing you beayou will bring to our whole familrearing this prince of infants! If


11/26

not?--he is sure to be a thorougWith this pretence of affection thsister's heart. As soon as they hweariness of the journey, and haPsyche served them in the dinindelightful meal of meats and sav

string-music came forth; she ordwere heard; she bade choirs to soothed their spirits with the swhuman person stood before themsoftened or lulled even by that mconversation towards the deceitbegan to enquire innocently aboof life of her husband. Then Psycher earlier version, and she conchusband was a business-man fromiddle-aged, with streaks of gremoment longer in such talk, but

and ushered them back to their But as they returned home, afteborne them aloft, they exchangeare no words, sister, to describePreviously her husband was a yosprout with woolly growth, but nshining grey hair: What a prodigbrought on old age abruptly, andsure, sister, that this noxious fenot know what her husband is limust be parted from those richeknow what her husband looks likand its is a god she's got for us

if she becomes a celebrity as theforbid--I'll put a rope round my then, let us go back to our parewe concocted a first.In this impassioned state they ga restless night those despicableThey threw themselves down thhis usual protection. They squeeand greeted the girl with these gand in happy ignorance of your danger, we in our watchful zeal with sadness for your misfortuneyour painful plight we cannot hidlies unseen with you at night. It coils; its neck is blood-stained, ajaws lie gaping open. You must its chant that you were doomed farms, local huntsmen, and a nureturning to its lair at night afteshallows of a river close by.All of them maintain that the be


12/26

by providing you with enticing fofilled out and your pregnancy cowhich you will then offer. In viewyou ware willing to side with youwhich is so dear to their hearts, escape from death, or whether y

that fiercest of beasts. Howeverhaunt inhabited only by voices, of furtive love in the embrace ofyour devoted sisters will have doPoor Psyche, simple and innocenthese grim tidings. She lost her recollection of all her husband's launched herself into the abyss blood drained from her face, sheand stammered out this reply toDearest sisters, you have acteddevoted duty, and as for those w

think that they are telling lies. Ithusband's face, and I have no kform. I merely attend at night towith no knowledge of what he isday. Your judgement is just thatyou. He constantly and emphatilooks like, and threatens me withis features. So if at this momenin her hour of danger, you mustindifference to the future will tarconcern.Those female criminals had nowand had occupied the mind of th

from beneath the mantlet of theadvanced on the terrified thoughthem said to her: Our family tiesafety, to disregard any danger shall inform you of the one way has exercised us for so long. Yoyour softened palm, and when itwhere you usually lie. Then fill ashining brightly, conceal it benehave purposefully secreted this husband ploughs his furrow, andThen, when he has stretched ouenfold him, as soon as he startssleep, you must slip off the coucmincing steps forward, and remdarkness. Then take your cue frperform your own shining deed.raise high your right hand, and tsever the knot which joins the nYou will not act without our helpattendance, and as soon as you


13/26

shall fly to your side. All these rall speed, and then we shall arrabeing with human being.Their sister was already quite feset her heart ablaze. At once thewicked crime made them fear gr

thrust of the winged Breeze borefled in precipitate haste. Withoucast off.But Psyche, now left alone, exce[Erinyes, Furies] was no solitudesea. Though her plan was formefaltered in uncertainty of purpostorn between the many impulseshe temperized; her daring turnand to cap everything she loathethough they were one and the sdarkness, so with headlong hast

heinous crime. Night fell, and heskirmished in the warfare of loveThen Psyche, though enfeebled lent her by fate's harsh decree. and showed a boldness that belibrought near, and the secrets ofbeasts the gentlest and sweeteslying in a handsome posture. Evbrightened on sighting him, andsacrilegious sharpness. As for Pswonderful vision, and she lost awith enervation; her knees buckplunging it into her own breast.

but the steel showed its fear of out of her rash grasp. But as in repeatedly on the beauty of thatwas restored. She beheld on hisambrosia; his neatly pinned ringrosy cheeks, some dangling in frsheen made even the lamplight dewy wings gleamed white with motionless, the soft and fragile fmotion and sported restlessly. Twas such that Venus [Aphroditeacknowledge him as her son. Atand arrows, the kindly weapons As Psyche trained her gaze insather husband's weapons, in the cdrew out an arrow from the quivthumb. But because her arm wathe result that it pricked too deebedewed the surface of the skinPsyche fell in love with Amor [Edesire for the god of desire. She


14/26

she passionately smothered himfeared that he might stir in his spounded on being roused by sucdrop of burning oil from the tip oit could have been nefarious treadesire, so to say, to touch and k

lamp, Amor's (Love's) worthlesspossesses all fire, though doubtlensure that he might possess fodesire? The god started up on beand that his trust was defiled. Wthe kisses and embrace of his mBut Psyche seized his right leg wShe made a pitiable appendage and dangling in company with hfinally she slipped down to earthground, her divine lover did not tree, and from its summit spoke

Poor, ingenuous Psyche, I disrewhen she commanded that you meanest of men, and that you bmarriages. Instead, I preferred tadmit that my behaviour was nomyself with my own weapon, anshould regard me as a wild beaswith it the eyes that dote on youdevotedly always to be on your before long those fine counsellotheir heinous instructions, wheremy departure.As he finished speaking, he soar

position on the ground Psyche weyes allowed, and she tortured hBut once the sculling of his winghad disappeared into the distancthe bank of a river close by. Butpay homage to the god who oftehis person he at once cast her aand set her on its grassy bank. Tthat moment on the brow of thein his arms, and teaching her toby the bank nanny-goats were sriver-foliage here and there. Thecalamity that had befallen Psychand weary as she was, and sootYou are an elegant girl,and I ayears give me the benefit of concorrect--sages actually call suchyour stumbling and frequently wcomplexion and continual sighs,that you are suffering grievous lhearken to me: do not seek gain


15/26


16/26


17/26

shall I go, how shall I curb in thof my enemy Sobrietate (Sobrieme through this fellow's loose livthat unsophisticated, hideous fedespise the consolation of gaininabsolutely the only one to be giv

discipline on this rascal. She muunstring his bow, extinguish his correction. Only when she has sbrushed them shining like gold wwings, which I have steeped in mregard the insult dealt to me as These were her words. Then shepassionate rage. At that momenup with her. When they observeshe was cloaking the rich charmYou have come, she answered,for I am seething inside. I ask y

fickle runaway of mine called Psconcerning my household, and tmine, have not passed you by. and they south to assuage Venuyour son's peccadillo has causedunrelenting way, and also to desharm is there, we should like to turned-out girl? Don't you realizare you forgetting his age? Just strike you as a perpetual boy? Ythat. Are you always going to prcondemn his wanton ways, censand pleasures as practised by yo

person on earth will bear with yothroughout the world, when youown house, and you close downwhich is made available to all?This was how the two goddessesfavour, though he was absent, barrows. But Venus was affrontedtreated so lightly. She cut the tostalked quickly off to the sea.Meanwhile Psyche in her randomsought day and night to trace heall the more eager, in spite of hiendearments, or at any rate to aShe spied a temple perched on tPerhaps this is where my lord dand though her feet were utterlyhope and aspiration quickened tstout heart, and drew close to thwheat in a heap, and others wovwell. There were sickles lying thimplements, but they were in a


18/26

carelessly by workmen's hands, carefully sorted them out and orreflected that she should not nerather implore the kindly spirit oKindly Ceres [Demeter] sighted these offerings, and at once she

Psyche! Venus [Aphrodite] is in your traces all over the globe. Spunishment, and is using all thevengeance. And here you are, lointent on anything but your ownThen Psyche grovelled at the gostream of tears. She swept the g[Demeter's] favour with a litanythe harvest ceremonies which asyour baskets and the winged cofurrows in your Sicilian soil, by Plightless marriage, and by your d

by all else which the shrine of Alend aid to this soul of Psyche wyou. Allow me to lurk hidden hefew days, until the great goddestime, or at any rate till my strentoil, is assuaged by a period of rCeres [Demeter] answered her:and I am keen to help you, but maintain long-standing ties of frrelative, she is also a fine womaand count it a blessing that I haSo Psyche, in suffering this revedouble grief. As she retraced he

in the valley below an elegantly means, however uncertain, whicher eagerness to seek the favouclose to its sacred portals. Thereribbons inscribed with gold lettethe doorposts. These attested thdedicated, together with thanksknees, and with her hands she gsacrifice. She wiped away her teHera]: Sister and spouse of migyour ancient shrine at Samos, wyour infant cries, and your nurtuabode in lofty Carthage, which wsky on a lion's back; or whetherby the banks of the river-god InThunderer and as queen of all gas the yoking goddess, and who[goddess of childbirth], be for m[Hera] Sospita (the Saviour), anweariness from exhausting toilsunsolicited aid to pregnant wom


19/26

As she prayed like this, Juno [Hevenerable majesty of her divinitBelieve me, I only wish that I cBut shame prevents me from opdaughter-in-law whom I have ala second obstacle--the legislatio

slaves belonging to others, if thePsyche was aghast at this seconmeet up with her elusive husbanand had recourse to her own coharness to meet my desperate phowever well-disposed has beenin a noose as tight as this, wherwhat dark corner can I hide, to eVenus? Why don't you show a midle hope? Why don't you surrenand soften her savage onslaughhowever late in the day? You ne

long search in her house.This was how she steeled herselobedience or rather for her certathe opening lines of the plea sheVenus [Aphrodite] now despairemeans, and she made for heaveprepared; Vulcanus [Hephaistosto it with elaborate workmanshipresent before her initiation intohad made the metal gleam; the had lost. Four white doves emertheir mistress's chamber. As thedappled necks from side to side

They took their mistress aboard Sparrows sported with the combthe carriage of the goddess, andsongsters, announced the goddeof their honeyed tunes. The clouadmitted his daughter; the topmgoddess, and the tuneful retinuewith eagles or of plundering hawShe at once made for the royal ctones sought the urgent use of tMercurius [Hermes]. Jupiter's lohappily quitted heaven at once wspoke seriously to him: My brotyour sister Venus has never hadattendance, and you are well awtrace my maid who lies in hidingyou as herald make a public prodown. So you must hasten to domarks by which she can be recounlawfully concealing her, he caignorance.


20/26

With these words she handed hiother details. Then she at once rMercurius [Hermes] did not fail appearing before gatherings of eperformed the duty of making pher flight the runaway daughter

called Psyche, or indicate her hidherald Mercurius behind the metreward from Venus herself seveone imparted with the thrust of Longing for this great reward areverywhere when Mercurius mathis above all ended Psyche's hemistress's door, a member of VeConsueto (Habit) confronted hervoice: Most wicked of all servanyou have a mistress? Or are youinsolent behaviour, still pretend

we have endured in searching fofallen into my hands rather thanthe claws of Orcus [Haides], andyour gross impudence without dShe then laid a presumptuous hin unresisting. As soon as she wgaze, the goddess uttered the sofurious rage. She wagged her heso you have finally condescendeOr is the purpose of this visit ratdanger from the wound which yshall welcome you as a good moWhere are my maids Sollicito (M

They were called in, and the godtorture. They obeyed their mistrtortured her with other implememistress's presence. Venus renesaid. With that appealing swellinsorry for her. I suppose she intethat famed offspring; how luckythe prospect of being hailed as amaidservant called Venus's grancalling him a son, for the weddinstatus. Besides, ti took place in without a father's consent, so it therefore be born a bastard--if wall!Saying this, she flew at Psyche, made her brains rattle, and pumsome wheat, barley, millet, poppmingled them together in an indsuch an ugly maidservant that Iby devoted attendance, so I'll sethis mixed heap of seeds, and a


21/26


22/26

disregard this careful instructionevery detail, and the theft was esubstance of yellow gold in her dthe hazard endured in this seconacknowledgement from her mistsmiled harshly, and said: I know

adulterer. But no I shall try you endowed with brave spirit and ulofty mountain-peak, perched ablivid waters of a dark spring comthe basin of he neighbouring valfeed the hoarse streams of the Cback in this small jug some icy wpoint, where it gushes out from Handing Psyche a vessel shapedwith still harsher threats.Psyche made for the topmost pedetermined there at least to put

the moment she neared the vicibecame aware of the lethal diffichuge size towered above her, haof its rugged surface. From its swhich issued directly from a verwas similarly described by the Gglided downward, and being conwhich it had carved out, it madeFrom the hollow rocks on the rigextending their long necks, theirmaintaining unceasing vigil. Thedefence, for they had the powercry out Clear off! or Watch wha

Lookout!, or Cut and run!, or Ythe situation turned Psyche to stsenses deserted her. She was uinescapable danger; she could nof tears.But the privations of this innocebenevolent Providentia (Provideroyal bird appeared with both wbird of prey who recalled his ser[Eros'] guidance he had borne tJupiter [Zeus]. The bird now lenCupidos's power to aid his wife iof high heaven, flew down beforYou are in all respects an ingensuch as this, so how can you hothis most sacred and unfriendly Rumour at any rate, as you knoobject of fear to the gods and tomortals swear by the gods' divinby the majesty of the Styx. So hhe grabbed it, and hastened to f


23/26


24/26

and old man now dead will floatwill beg you to drag him into thesense of pity, for that is not perWhen you have crossed the riveaged women weaving at the lootime. But you are not permitted

many other distractions are partinduce you to release one of thethat the loss of a mere barley caeither of them, the daylight of thPosted there is a massive houndmonstrous, fearsome brute confthough his menaces are futile siconstant guard before the very t[Persephone], protecting that dedisarm him by offering him a cahim, and gain immediate accessyou in genial and kindly fashion,

cushioned seat beside her and ethe ground, ask for course breadyou have come. When you havemake your way back, using the savagery. Then you must give thave held back, and once again earlier steps and return to the hinjunctions I urge you particularto pry into the box that you will the treasure of divine beauty hidThis was how that far-sighted toimmediately sped to Taenarus, acakes she hastened down the pa

driver without a word, handed tcrossing, ignored the entreaty odisregarded the crafty pleas of tquell his fearsome rage, and gai[Persephone]. Psyche declined tby her hostess; she perched on with plain bread. She then reporThe box was at once filled and cShe quietened the dog's barkingoffered her remaining coin to thout of Hades. But once she was reverently hailed it, her mind waher eagerness to see the end of be carrying this beauty-lotion fitfor myself, for with this at any rThe words were scarcely out of inside there was no beauty-lotioHades, a truly Stygian sleep. Aslaid bare, it attacked her and pehold of her, so that she fell prosShe lay there motionless, no mo


25/26

But Cupidos was now recoveringlonger bear Psyche's long separahigh-set window of the chamberrefreshed after their period of rereach his Psyche. Carefully wipinformer lodging in the box. Then

of his arrow. Poor, dear Psychecuriosity might have been your task imposed on you by my motAfter saying this, her lover rose to bear Proserpina's [PersephonMeanwhile Cupidos, devoured byface, feared the sudden arrival oreverted to his former role and ra suppliant posture he laid his catook Cupidos's little cheek betwehand to his lips and kissed it, anhave never shown me the defere

keep piercing this heart of minethe changing motion of the starsblackened it with repeated impuand reputation by involving me the laws--the lex Julia itself--ansmiling countenance into grisly scattle. Yet in spite of all this, I srecalling that you were reared inall that you ask, as long as you and if at this moment there is olong as you can recompense meAfter saying this, he ordered Meat once to an assembly, and to d

convocation of heavenly citizenssesterces. The theatre of heavensanction. Towering Jupiter [Zeusproclamation: You gods whose Musae, you all surely know this hands. I have decided that the hneed to be reined in; he has beeto-day gossip on account of his We must deprive him of all opposhackled with the chains of marher of her virginity, so he must his embrace and enjoy his dear Then he turned to address Venunot harbour any resentment. Hadistinction in this marriage to a and in keeping with the civil lawsocial status.There and then he ordered that heaven through Mercurius's agesaid : Take this, Psyche, and befrom your embrace; this marriag


26/26

At once a lavish wedding-feast wcouch of honour, with Psyche in with Juno [Hera], and all the otha cup of nectar, the gods' wine, personal cup-bearer [Ganymedeothers by Bacchus [Dionysos]. V

the Horae (Seasons) brightenedthe Gratiae (Graces) diffused bapresent, sand in harmony. Apolltook to the floor to the strains ohad organized the performance Satyrus played the flute, and a Ppipes. This was how with due ceat full term a daughter was born[Hedone]."

Sources:

o Apuleius, The Golden Ass

Theoi Project Copyright 2000 - 2011, Aaron J. Atsma, New Zealand
http://www.theoi.com/Bibliography.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Bibliography.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Eros2.htmlhttp://www.theoi.com/Bibliography.html

Psykhe Psyche

Documents

Transcript of Psykhe Psyche