Eros and Psyche Eros



the story of eros , psyche has longstanding tradition folktale of ancient greco-roman world long before committed literature in apuleius latin novel, golden ass. novel written in picaresque roman style, yet psyche retains greek name. eros , aphrodite called latin names (cupid , venus), , cupid depicted young adult, rather child.


the story tells of struggle love , trust between eros , psyche. aphrodite jealous of beauty of mortal princess psyche, men leaving altars barren worship mere human woman instead, , commanded son eros, god of love, cause psyche fall in love ugliest creature on earth. instead, eros falls in love psyche himself , spirits away home. fragile peace ruined visit psyche s jealous sisters, cause psyche betray trust of husband. wounded, eros leaves wife, , psyche wanders earth, looking lost love. approaches aphrodite , asks help. aphrodite imposes series of difficult tasks on psyche, able achieve means of supernatural assistance.


after completing these tasks, aphrodite relents , psyche becomes immortal live alongside husband eros. had daughter, voluptas or hedone (meaning physical pleasure, bliss).


in greek mythology, psyche deification of human soul. portrayed in ancient mosaics goddess butterfly wings (because psyche ancient greek word butterfly ). greek word psyche literally means soul, spirit, breath, life or animating force .








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