Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Cupid and Psyche explained
The chapter recounts the myth of Cupid and Psyche, in which the mortal princess Psyche, whose beauty rivals Venus, is forced to undergo a series of trials set by the jealous goddess.
What happens
The chapter recounts the myth of Cupid and Psyche, in which the mortal princess Psyche, whose beauty rivals Venus, is forced to undergo a series of trials set by the jealous goddess. With Cupid's secret aid, Psyche completes each task, but her curiosity leads her to open a forbidden box, causing a deep sleep. Cupid rescues her, and with Jupiter's intervention, Psyche is made immortal and united with Cupid, symbolizing the soul's purification through suffering.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Cupid's love transforms Psyche from a mortal princess into an immortal goddess, and her trials purify her soul.
Mortality and Immortality
Psyche's journey from mortal suffering to immortal union with Cupid illustrates the soul's transcendence.
Jealousy and Revenge
Venus's jealousy of Psyche's beauty drives the plot, leading to vengeful trials.
Characters to notice
- Psyche
The youngest princess whose beauty incurs Venus's wrath; she endures trials and is ultimately made immortal.
- Cupid
Venus's son who falls in love with Psyche, aids her through trials, and secures her immortality.
- Venus
Goddess of love who, jealous of Psyche's beauty, imposes harsh tasks upon her.
- Jupiter
King of the gods who intervenes to make Psyche immortal and sanction her marriage to Cupid.
- Proserpine
Queen of the underworld who provides Psyche with a box of beauty as part of Venus's task.
- Mercury
Messenger god sent by Jupiter to bring Psyche to the heavenly assembly.
- Phoebus Apollo
God whose oracle decrees that Psyche is destined for a monstrous husband.
Key passages
“The fame of her beauty was so great that strangers from neighboring countries came in crowds to enjoy the sight, and looked on her with amazement, paying her that homage which is due only to Venus herself.”
People from far-off lands flocked to see her, amazed by her beauty and offering her the worship that belonged to Venus.
Describes the excessive admiration for Psyche that angers Venus.
“But Psyche, henceforth frowned upon by Venus, derived no benefit from all her charms. True, all eyes were cast eagerly upon her, and every mouth spoke her praises; but neither king, royal youth, nor plebeian presented himself to demand her in marriage.”
Despite being admired by everyone, no one sought to marry Psyche because Venus's curse made her beauty a source of isolation.
Highlights the irony of Psyche's beauty bringing her loneliness rather than love.
“The Greek name for a butterfly is Psyche, and the same word means the soul. There is no illustration of the immortality of the soul so striking and beautiful as the butterfly, bursting on brilliant wings from the tomb in which it has lain, after a dull, grovelling, caterpillar existence, to flutter in the blaze of day and feed on the most fragrant and delicate productions of the spring.”
The butterfly, emerging from its cocoon, is a perfect symbol of the soul's immortality, just as Psyche's name signifies both butterfly and soul.
Explains the allegorical meaning of the myth.
