# Ode to Psyche explained — Poetry > Chapter companion for Poetry by John Keats. ## What happens The speaker addresses the goddess Psyche, describing a vision of her and Cupid embracing in a forest. He laments that she has no temple or worship, but vows to become her priest and build a sanctuary for her within his own mind, using imagination and thought to create a sacred space. ## Themes in this chapter ### Mythology and Classical Reference The poem centers on the mythological figures Psyche and Cupid, drawing from classical tradition. ### Dreams and Escape The speaker describes a dreamlike vision and seeks to create an inner sanctuary of imagination. ### Art and Poetry The speaker vows to become Psyche's priest and poet, building a temple through creative thought. ## Character check-ins ### Unknown The speaker who addresses Psyche and describes his vision. ### Cupid The winged boy seen embracing Psyche in the forest. ### Psyche The goddess to whom the ode is addressed, described as the latest-born and loveliest vision. ## Key lines > Surely I dreamt to-day, or did I see The winged Psyche with awaken’d eyes? I must have been dreaming today, or did I truly see the winged Psyche with my waking eyes? _The speaker questions whether his vision of Psyche was real or a dream._ > Their arms embraced, and their pinions too; Their lips touch’d not, but had not bade adieu Their arms and wings were wrapped around each other; their lips did not meet, but they had not parted. _Describes the intimate yet restrained pose of Cupid and Psyche._ > Yes, I will be thy priest, and build a fane In some untrodden region of my mind Yes, I will serve as your priest and construct a temple in an unexplored part of my mind. _The speaker declares his intention to create a mental sanctuary for Psyche._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters/ode-to-psyche - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_14_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_14_se/chapters