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The mythology of Ǽrôs (Eros or Cupid, Ἔρως) and Psykhí (Psyche, Ψυχή) is known in its most complete form from the writing of Lucius Apuleius Madaurensis (125–180 CE). The story is an important part of his book The Metamorphoses, also known as The Golden Asse (4.28 - 6.24). This myth occupies a full fifth of the book.

Apuleius was a Numidian Berber from Madaurus, North Africa. He studied at Carthage and at Athens in Greece, where he became learned in the teachings of Plátôn (Plato, Πλάτων), and too at Rome. Apuleius also traveled extensively, to Asia Minor and Alexandria Egypt. He was initiated into various Mystíria (Mystery Religion, Μυστήρια) and was a priest of Asklîpiós (Asclepius, Ἀσκληπιός). In addition to The Metamorphoses, extant are the following works by Apuleius: On Plato and His Doctrine, On the God of Socrates, Florida, Apology, a translation of On the Universe [De Mundo]); there were, apparently, many more works which have been lost.

The translation which follows was made by William Adlington in 1566. The Golden Asse in Adlington's translation was a favorite of Shakespeare. We have somewhat modernized the archaic English, mostly the spelling of certain words, but it is hoped that the charm of the original language has been retained.

This page includes the beautiful engravings of Marc Antonio Raimondi (1480–1534 CE) based on sketches and studies created by his teacher, Raphael (1483-1520 CE). These studies were fashioned as preliminary work for the frescoes which Raphael painted in the Villa Farnesina in Rome illustrating the text of Apuleius' story. The reproductions of these engravings were found in The Story of Cupid and Psyche by Robert Howard Russell, 1901.

Cupid and Psyche can be interpreted in various ways, but it is clear that it emphasizes the role of Ǽrôs in the deification of the soul, Ækthǽôsis (Ektheosis; Gr. Ἐκθέωσις).

Download the Text and Prints: Cupid and Psyche

See below the text for a Neo-platonic interpretation of the fable of Cupid and Psyche by Thomas Taylor.

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THE STORY OF

CUPID AND PSYCHE

So daily more and more increased this opinion, and now is her flying fame dispersed into the next Island, and well nigh into every part and province of the whole world. Whereupon innumerable strangers resorted from far Countries, adventuring themselves by long journeys on land and by great perils on water, to behold this glorious virgin. By occasion whereof such a contempt grew towards the Goddess Venus, that no person traveled unto the Town Paphos (Πάφος, a town of Cyprus), nor to the Isle Gyndos (Κνίδος), nor to Cythera (Κύθηρα) to worship her. Her ornaments were thrown out, her temples defaced, her pillows and cushions torn, her ceremonies neglected, her images and statues uncrowned, and her bare altars unswept, and foul with the ashes of old burnt sacrifice. For why, every person honoured and worshipped this maiden in stead of Venus, and in the morning at her first coming abroad offered unto her oblations, provided banquets, called her by the name of Venus, which was not Venus indeed, and in her honour presented flowers and garlands in most reverend fashion.

This sudden change and alteration of celestial honour, did greatly inflame and kindle the love of very Venus, who unable to temper her self from indignation, shaking her head in raging sort, reasoned with her self in this manner, behold the original parent of all these elements, behold the Lady Venus renowned throughout all the world, with whom a mortal maiden is joined now partaker of honour: "My name registered in the city of heaven is profaned and made vile by terrene (ed. mundane) absurdities. If I shall suffer any mortal creature to present my majesty on earth, or that any shall bear about a false surmised shape of my person, then in vain did Paris the shepherd (in whose judgement and confidence the great Jupiter [Ζεύς] had affiance [ed. trust] prefer me above the residue of the Goddesses, for the excellency of my beauty: but she, whatsoever she be that hath usurped mine honour, shall shortly repent her of her unlawful estate." And by and by she called her winged son Cupid (Ἔρως), rash enough and hardy, who by his evil manners contemning all public justice and law, armed with fire and arrows, running up and down in the nights from house to house, and corrupting the lawful marriages of every person, doth nothing but that which is evil, who although that he were of his own proper nature sufficiently prone to work mischief, yet she egged him forward with words, and brought him to the city, and showed him Psyche (for so the maid was called), and having told the cause of her anger, not without great rage, "I pray thee (quoth she) my dear child, by motherly bond of love, by the sweet wounds of thy piercing darts, by the pleasant heat of thy fire, revenge the injury which is done to thy mother by the false and disobedient beauty of a mortal maiden, and I pray thee, that without delay she may fall in love with the most miserable creature living, the most poor, the most crooked, and the most vile, that there may be none found in all the world of like wretchedness." When she had spoken these words she embraced and kissed her son, and took her voyage towards the sea.

When she came upon the sea she began to call the Gods and Goddesses, who were obedient at her voice. For incontinent came the daughters of Nereus (ed. Niréfs; Gr. Νηρεύς), singing with tunes melodiously: Portunus (ed. Roman God of ports and harbors) with his bristled and rough beard, Salacia (ed. Goddess of the Sea and wife of Neptune) with her bosom full of fish, Palaimon (ed. Gr. Παλαίμων) the driver of the Dolphin; and the bands of the Trumpeters of Triton (ed. Gr. Τρίτων, messenger of the Sea), leaping hither and thither, and blowing with heavenly noise: such was the company which followed Venus, marching towards the ocean sea.

Thus fair Psyche being sweetly couched among the soft and tender herbs, as in a bed of sweet and fragrant flowers, and having qualified the thoughts and troubles of her restless mind, was now well reposed. And when she had refreshed her self sufficiently with sleep, she rose with a more quiet and pacified mind, and fortuned to espy a pleasant wood environed (ed. encircled) with great and mighty trees. She espied likewise a running river as clear as crystal: in the midst of the wood well nigh at the fall of the river was a princely edifice, wrought and builded not by the art or hand of man, but by the mighty power of God: and you would judge at the first entry therein that it were some pleasant and worthy mansion for the powers of heaven. For the embowings above were of Citron and Ivory, propped and undermined with pillars of gold, the walls covered and sealed with silver, divers sorts of beasts were graven and carved, that seemed to encounter with such as entered in. All things were so curiously and finely wrought, that it seemed either to be the work of some Demi-God, of a God himself. The pavement was all of precious stones, divided and cut one from another, whereon was carved divers kinds of pictures, in such sort that blessed and thrice blessed were they which might go upon such a pavement: Every part and angle of the house was so well adorned, that by reason of the precious stones and inestimable treasure there, it glittered and shone in such sort, that the chambers, porches, and doors gave light as it had been the Sun. Neither otherwise did the other treasure of the house disagree unto so great a majesty, that verily it seemed in every point an heavenly Palace, fabricate and built for Jupiter (Zeus) himself.

Then Psyche moved with delectation approached nigh, and taking a bold heart entered into the house, and beheld every thing there with great affection, she saw storehouses wrought exceedingly fine, and replenished with abundance of riches. Finally, there could nothing be devised which lacked there: but amongst such great store of Treasure this was most marvelous that there was no closure, bolt, nor lock to keep the same. And when with great pleasure she had viewed all these things, she heard a voice without any body, that said, "Why do you marvel Madame at so great riches? behold, all that you see is at your commandment, wherefore go you into the chamber, and repose your self upon the bed, and desire what bath you will have, and we whose voices you hear be your servants, and ready to minister unto you according to your desire. In the mean season, royal meats and dainty dishes shall be prepared for you."

Then Psyche perceived the felicity of divine providence, and according to the advertisement of the incorporeal voices she first reposed her self upon the bed, and then refreshed her body in the bath. This done, she saw the table garnished with meats, and a chair to sit down. When Psyche was set down, all sorts of divine meats and wines were brought in, not by any body, but as it were with a wind, for she saw no person before her, but only heard voices on every side. After that all the services were brought to the table, one came in and sung invisibly, another played on the harp, but she saw no man. The harmony of the Instruments did so greatly shrill in her ears, that though there were no manner of person, yet seemed she in the midst of a multitude of people.

All these pleasures finished, when night approached Psyche went to bed, and when she was laid, that the sweet sleep came upon her, she greatly feared her virginity, because she was alone. Then came her unknown husband and lay with her: and after that he had made a perfect consummation of the marriage, he rose in the morning before day, and departed. Soon after came her invisible servants, and presented to her such things as were necessary for her defloration. And thus she passed forth a great while, and as it happeneth, the novelty of things by continual custom did increase her pleasure, but specially the sound of the instruments was a comfort unto her being alone.

During this time that Psyche was in this place of pleasures, her father and mother did nothing but weep and lament, and her two sisters hearing of her most miserable fortune, came with great dolour (ed. anguish) and sorrow to comfort and speak with their parents.

The night following, Psyche's husband spake unto her (for she might feel his eyes, his hands, and his ears) and said, "O my sweet Spouse and dear wife, fortune doth menace unto thee imminent danger, whereof I wish thee greatly to beware: for know that thy sisters, thinking that thou art dead, be greatly troubled, and are come to the mountain by thy steps. Whose lamentations if thou fortune to hear, beware that thou do in no wise either make answer, or look up towards them, for if thou do thou shalt purchase to me great sorrow, and to thy self utter destruction." Psyche hearing her Husband, was contented to do all things as he had commanded.

After that he was departed and the night passed away, Psyche lamented and lamented all the day following, thinking that now she was past all hopes of comfort, in that she was closed within the walls of a prison, deprived of humane conversation, and commanded not to aid her sorrowful Sisters, no nor once to see them. Thus she passed all the day in weeping, and went to bed at night, without any refection (ed. refreshment) of meat or bathing.

Incontinently after came her husband, who when he had embraced her sweetly, began to say, "Is it thus that you perform your promise, my sweet wife? What do I find here? Pass you all the day and the night in weeping? And will you not cease in your husbands arms? Go too, do what ye will, purchase your own destruction, and when you find it so, then remember my words, and repent, but too late. Then she desired her husband more and more, assuring him that she should die, unless he would grant that she might see her sisters, whereby she might speak with them and comfort them, whereat at length he was contented, and moreover he willed that she should give them as much gold and jewels as she would. But he gave her a further charge saying, "Beware that ye covet not (being moved by the pernicious counsel of your sisters) to see the shape of my person, lest by your curiosity you deprive your self of so great and worthy estate." Psyche being glad herewith, rendered unto him most entire thanks, and said, "Sweet husband, I had rather die than to be separated from you, for whosoever you be, I love and retain you within my heart as if you were mine own spirit or Cupid himself: but I pray you grant this likewise, that you would command your servant Zephyrus to bring my sisters down into the valley as he brought me."

Wherewithal she kissed him sweetly, and desired him gently to grant her request, calling him her Spouse, her Sweetheart, her Joy, and her Solace. Whereby she enforced him to agree to her mind, and when morning came he departed away.

After long search made, the sisters of Psyche came unto the hill where she was set on the rock, and cried with a loud voice in such sort that the stones answered again. And when they called their sister by her name, that their lamentable cries came unto her ears, she came forth and said, "Behold, here is she for whom you weep, I pray you torment your selves no more, cease your weeping." And by and by she commanded Zephyrus by the appointment of her husband to bring then down. Neither did he delay, for with gentle blasts he retained them up and laid them softly in the valley. I am not able to express the often embracing, kissing and greeting which was between them three, all sorrows and tears were then laid apart.

"Come in (quoth Psyche) into our house, and refresh your afflicted minds with your sister."

After this she showed them the storehouses of treasure, she caused them to hear the voices which served her, the bain (ed. bath) was ready, the meats were brought in, and when they had filled themselves with divine delicacies they conceived great envy within their hearts, and one of them being curious, did demand what her husband was, of what estate, and who was Lord of so precious a house? But Psyche remembering the promise which she had made to her husband, feigned that he was a young man, of comely stature, with a flaxen beard, and had great delight in hunting in the hills and dales by. And lest by her long talk she should be found to trip or fail in her words, she filled their laps with gold, silver, and Jewels, and commanded Zephyrus to carry them away.

When they were brought up into the mountain, they took their ways homeward to their own houses, and murmured with envy that they bare against Psyche, saying, "Behold cruel and contrary fortune, behold how we, borne all of one Parent, have divers (ed. various) destinies: but especially we that are the elder two be married to strange husbands, made as Handmaidens, and as it were banished from our Country and friends. Whereas our younger sister hath great abundance of treasure, and hath gotten a God to her husband, although she hath no skill how to use so great plenty of riches. Saw you not sister what was in the house, what great store of jewels, what glittering robes, what Gems, what gold we trod on? That if she have a husband according as she affirmeth, there is none that liveth this day more happy in all the world than she. And so it may come to pass, that at length for the great affection which he may bear unto her he may make her a Goddess: for by Hercules (Ἡρακλῆς), such was her countenance, so she behaved her self, that as a Goddess she had voices to serve her, and the winds did obey her. But I poor wretch have first married an husband elder than my father, more bald than a Coot, more weak than a child, and that locketh me up all day in the house."

Then said the other sister, "And in faith I am married to a husband that hath the gout, twofold, crooked, not courageous in paying my debt, I am faine (ed. obliged) to rub and mollify his stony fingers with divers sorts of oils, and to wrap them in plasters and salves, so that I soil my white and dainty hands with the corruption of filthy clouts, not using my self like a wife, but more like a servant. And you my sister seem likewise to be in bondage and servitude, wherefore I cannot abide to see our younger sister in such great felicity; saw you not I pray you how proudly and arrogantly she handled us even now? And how in vaunting (ed. boasting) her self she uttered her presumptuous mind, how she cast a little gold into our laps, and being weary of our company, commanded that we should be borne and blown away? Verily I live not, nor am a woman, but I will deprive her of all her bliss. And if you my sister be so far bent as I, let us consult together, and not to utter our mind to any person, no not to our parents, nor tell that ever we saw her. For it sufficeth that we have seen her, whom it repenteth to have seen. Neither let us declare her good fortune to our father, nor to any other, since as they seem not happy whose riches are unknown: so shall she know that she hath sisters no Abjects (ed. contemptuous persons), but worthier than she."

But now let us go home to our husbands and poor houses, and when we are better instructed, let us return to suppress her pride. So this evil counsel pleased these two evil women, and they hid the treasure which Psyche gave them, and tore their hair, renewing their false and forged tears. When their father and mother beheld them weep and lament still, they doubled their sorrows and griefs, but full of ire and forced with Envy, they took their voyage homeward, devising the slaughter and destruction of their sister.

In the mean season the husband of Psyche did warn her again in the night with these words: "Seest thou not what peril and danger evil fortune doth threaten unto thee, whereof if thou take not good heed it will shortly come upon thee. For the unfaithful harlots do greatly endeavor to set their snares to catch thee, and their purpose is to make and persuade thee to behold my face, which if thou once fortune to see, as I have often told, thou shalt see no more. Wherefore if these naughty hags, armed with wicked minds, do chance to come again (as I think no otherwise but that they will) take heed that thou talk not with them, but simply suffer them to speak what they will, howbeit if thou canst not refrain thy self, beware that thou have no communication of thy husband, nor answer a word if they fortune to question of me, so we will increase our stock, and this young and tender child, couched in this young and tender belly of thine, if thou conceal my secrets, shall be made an immortal God, otherwise a mortal creature."

Then Psyche was very glad that she should bring forth a divine babe, and very joyful in that she should be honored as a mother. She reckoned and numbered carefully the days and months that passed, and being never with child before, did marvel greatly that in so short a time her belly should swell so big.

But those pestilent and wicked furies breathing out their Serpentine poison, hurried to bring their enterprise to pass. Then Psyche was warned again by her husband in this sort: "Behold the last day, the extreme case, and the enemies of thy blood, hath armed themselves against us, pitched their camp, set their host in array, and are marching towards us, for now thy two sisters have drawn their swords, and are ready to slay thee. O with what force are we assailed this day! O sweet Psyche I pray thee to take pity on thy self, of me, and deliver thy husband and this infant within thy belly from so great danger, and see not, neither hear these cursed women, which are not worthy to be called thy sisters, for their great hatred and breach of sisterly amity, for they will come like Sirens to the mountains, and yield out their piteous and lamentable cries." When Psyche had heard these words she sighed sorrowfully and said, "O dear husband, this long time have you had experience and trial of my faith, and doubt you not but that I will persevere in the same, wherefore command your wind Zephyrus, that he may do as he hath done before, to the intent that where you have charged me not to behold your venerable face, yet that I may comfort my self with the sight of my sisters. I pray you by these beautiful hairs, by these round cheeks delicate and tender, by your pleasant hot breast, whose shape and face I shall learn at length by the child in my belly, grant the fruit of my desire, refresh your dear Spouse Psyche with joy, who is bound and linked unto you for ever. I little esteem to see your visage and figure, little do I regard the night and darkness thereof, for you are my only light."

Her husband being as it were enchanted with these words and compelled by violence of her often embracing, wiping away her tears with his hair, did yield unto his wife. And when morning came, departed as he was accustomed to do.

Now her sisters arrived on land, and never rested til they came to the rock, without visiting their parents, and leapt down rashly from the hill themselves. Then Zephyrus according to the divine commandment brought them down, though it were against his will, and laid them in the valley without any harm: by and by they went into the palace to their sister without leave, and when they had soon after embraced their prey, and thanked her with flattering words for the treasure which she gave them, they said, "O dear sister Psyche, know you that you are now no more a child, but a mother: O what great joy bear you unto us in your belly? What a comfort will it be unto all the house? How happy shall we be, that shall see this Infant nourished amongst so great plenty of Treasure? That if he be like his parents, as it is necessary he should, there is no doubt but a new Cupid shall be borne." By this kind of means they went about to win Psyche by little and little, but because they were weary with travel, they sat them down in chairs, and after that they had washed their bodies in bathing they went into a Parlor, where all kind of meats were ready prepared. Psyche commanded one to play with his harp, it was done. Then immediately others sung, others tuned their instruments, but no person was seen, by whose sweet harmony and modulation the sisters of Psyche were greatly delighted.

Howbeit the wickedness of these cursed women was nothing suppressed by the sweet noise of these instruments, but they settled themselves to work their treasons against Psyche, demanding who was her husband, and of what Parentage. Then she having forgotten by too much simplicity, what she had spoken before of her husband, invented a new answer, and said that her husband was of a great province, a merchant, and a man of a middle age, having his beard interspersed with gray hairs. Which when she had spoken (because she would have no further talk) she filled their laps full of Gold and Silver, and bid Zephyrus to bear them away.

In their return homeward they murmured within themselves, saying, "How say you sister to so apparent a lie of Psyche? First she said that her husband was a young man of flourishing years, and had a flaxen beard, and now she sayeth that he is half gray with age. What is he that in so short a space can become so old? You shall find it no otherwise my sister, but that either this cursed queen hath invented a great lie, or else that she never saw the shape of her husband. And if it be so that she never saw him, then verily she is married to some God, and hath a young God in her belly. But if it be a divine babe, and fortune to come to the ears of my mother (as God forbid it should) then may I go and hang my self: wherefore let us go to our parents, and with forged lies let us colour the matter.

After they were thus inflamed, and had visited their Parents, they returned again to the mountain, and by the aid of the wind Zephyrus were carried down into the valley, and after they had strained their eye lids, to enforce themselves to weep, they called unto Psyche in this sort, "Thou ignorant of so great evil thinkest thy self sure and happy, and sittest at home nothing regarding thy peril, whereas we go about thy affairs, and are careful lest any harm should happen unto you: for we are credibly informed, neither can we but utter it unto you, that there is a great serpent full of deadly poison, with a ravenous and gaping throat, that lieth with thee every night. Remember the Oracle of Apollo, who pronounced that thou shouldest be married to a dire and fierce Serpent, and many of the Inhabitants hereby, and such as hunt about in the country, affirm that they saw him yesternight returning from pasture and swimming over the River, whereby they do undoubtedly say, that he will not pamper thee long with delicate meats, but when the time of delivery shall approach he will devour both thee and thy child: wherefore advise thy self whether thou wilt agree unto us that are careful of thy safety, and so avoid the peril of death, and be contented to live with thy sisters, or whether thou wilt remain with the Serpent, and in the end be swallowed into the gulf of his body. And if it be so that thy solitary life, thy conversation with voices, this servile and dangerous pleasure, and the love of the Serpent do more delight thee, say not but that we have played the parts of natural sisters in warning thee."

Then the poor and simple miser (ed. archaic meaning of miser, one who is miserable and hopelessly in love) Psyche was moved with the fear of so dreadful words, and being amazed in her mind, did clean forget the admonitions of her husband, and her own promises made unto him, and throwing her self headlong into extreme misery, with a wane and sallow countenance, scantly uttering a third word, at length did say in this sort: "O my most dear sisters, I heartily thank you for your great kindness toward me, and I am now verily persuaded that they which have informed you hereof hath informed you of nothing but truth, for I never saw the shape of my husband, neither know I from whence he came, only I hear his voice in the night, insomuch that I have an uncertain husband, and one that loveth not the light of day: which causeth me to suspect that he is a beast, as you affirm. Moreover, I do greatly fear to see him, for he doth menace and threaten great evil unto me, if I should go about to spy and behold his shape wherefore my loving sisters if you have any wholesome remedy for your sister in danger, give it now presently." Then they opened the gates of their subtle minds, and did put away all privy guile, and egged her forward in her fearful thought, persuading her to do as they would have her: whereupon one of them began and said, "Because that we little esteem any peril or danger, to save your life, we intend to show you the best way and mean as we may possibly do. Take a sharp razor and put it under the pillow of your bed; and see that you have ready a privy burning lamp with oil, hid under some part of the hanging of the chamber, and finely dissembling the matter when according to his custom he commeth to bed and sleepeth soundly, arise you secretly, and with your bare feet go and take the lamp, with the Razor in your right hand, and with valiant force cut off the head of the poisonous serpent, wherein we will aid and assist you: and when by the death of him you shall be made safe, we will marry you to some comely man."

After they had thus inflamed the heart of their sister fearing lest some danger might happen unto them by reason of their evil counsel, they were carried by the wind Zephyrus to the top of the mountain, and so they ran away and took shipping.

When Psyche was left alone (saving that she seemed not to be alone, being stirred by so many furies) she was in a tossing mind like the waves of the sea, and although her will was obstinate, and resisted to put in execution the counsel of her Sisters, yet she was in doubtful and divers opinions touching her calamity. Sometime she would, sometime she would not, sometime she is bold, sometime she feareth, sometime she mistrusteth, sometime she is moved, sometime she hateth the beast, sometime she loveth her husband: but at length night came, when as she prepared for her wicked intent.

Soon after her husband came, and when he had kissed and embraced her he fell asleep. Then Psyche (somewhat feeble in body and mind, yet moved by cruelty of fate) received boldness and brought forth the lamp, and took the razor, so by her audacity she changed her mind: but when she took the lamp and came to the bed side, she saw the most meek and sweetest beast of all beasts, even fair Cupid couched fairly, at whose sight the very lamp increased his light for joy, and the razor turned his edge.

After that Venus was weary with searching by Sea and Land for Psyche, she returned toward heaven, and commanded that one should prepare her Chariot, which her husband Vulcanus (Ἥφαιστος) gave unto her by reason of marriage, so finely wrought that neither gold nor silver could be compared to the brightness thereof. Four white pigeons guided the chariot with great diligence, and when Venus was entered in, a number of sparrows flew chirping about, making sign of joy, and all other kind of birds sang sweetly, foreshewing the coming of the great Goddess: the clouds gave place, the heavens opened, and received her joyfully, the birds that followed nothing feared the Eagle, Hawks, or other ravenous foul of the air. Incontinently she went unto the royal Palace of God Jupiter ( Ζεύς), and with a proud and bold petition demanded the service of Mercury (Ἑρμῆς), in certain of her affairs, whereunto Jupiter consented: then with much joy she descended from Heaven with Mercury, and gave him an earnest charge to put in execution her words, saying: "O my Brother, born in Arcadia, thou knowest well, that I (who am thy sister) did never enterprise to do any thing without thy presence, thou knowest also how long I have sought for the girl and cannot find her, wherefore there resteth nothing else save that thou with thy trumpet do pronounce the reward to such as take her: see thou put in execution my commandment, and declare that whatsoever he be that retaineth her wittingly, against my will shall not defend himself by any mean or excusation," which when she had spoken, she delivered unto him a libel (ed. document) wherein was contained the name of Psyche, and the residue of his publication, which done, she departed away to her lodging. By and by, Mercurius (not delaying the matter) proclaimed throughout all the world that whatsoever he were that could tell any tidings of a Kings fugitive Daughter, the servant of Venus, named Psyche, should bring word to Mercury, and for reward of his pains, he should receive seven sweet kisses of Venus. After that Mercury had pronounced these things, every man was enflamed with desire to search out Psyche.

This proclamation was the cause that put all doubt from Psyche, who was scantly come in the sight of the house of Venus, but one of her servants called Custom came out, who espying Psyche, cried out with a loud voice, saying, "O wicked harlot as thou art, now at length thou shalt know that thou hast a mistress above thee. What, dost thou make thy self ignorant, as though thou didst not understand what travail we have taken in searching for thee? I am glad that thou art come into my hands, thou art now in the gulf of hell, and shalt abide the pain and punishment of thy great contumacy (ed. rebelliousness)," and therewithall she took her by the hair, and brought her in, before the presence of the Goddess Venus. When Venus spied her, she began to laugh, and as angry persons are accustomed to do, she shook her head, and scratched her right ear saying, "O Goddess, Goddess, you are now come at length to visit your husband that is in danger of death, by your means: be you assured, I will handle you like a daughter: where be my maidens, Sorrow and Sadness?" To whom (when they came) she delivered Psyche to be cruelly tormented; then they fulfilled the commandment of their Mistress, and after they had piteously scourged her with rods and whips, they presented her again before Venus; then she began to laugh again, saying: "Behold she thinketh (that by reason of her great belly, which she hath gotten by playing the whore) to move me to pity, and to make me a grandmother to her child. Am not I happy, that in the flourishing time of all mine age, shall be called a grandmother, and the son of a vile harlot shall be accounted the grandson of Venus: Howbeit I am a fool to term him by the name of my son, since as the marriage was made between unequal persons, in the field without witnesses, and not by the consent of parents, wherefore the marriage is illegitimate, and the child (that shall be born) a bastard; if we fortune to suffer thee to live so long till thou be delivered." When Venus had spoken these words she leaped upon the face of poor Psyche, and (tearing her apparel) took her by the hair, and

dashed her head upon the ground. Then she took a great quantity of wheat, of barley, poppy seed, peas, lentils and beans, and mingled them altogether on a heap saying: "Thou evil favoured girl, thou seemest unable to get the grace of thy lover, by no other means, but only by diligent and painful service, wherefore I will prove what thou canst do: see that thou separate all these grains one from another disposing them orderly in their quantity, and let it be done before night." When she had appointed this task unto Psyche, she departed to a great banquet that was prepared that day. But Psyche went not about to dissever (ed. separate) the grain, (as being a thing impossible to be brought to pass by reason it lay so confusedly scattered) but being astonished at the cruel commandment of Venus, sat still and said nothing. Then the little pismire (ed. ant) the emote (ed. showed concern), taking pity of her great difficulty and labour, cursing the cruelness of the daughter of Jupiter (Ζεύς), and of so evil a mother, ran about, hither and thither, and called to all her friends, "Ye quick sons of the ground, the mother of all things, take mercy on this poor maid, spouse to Cupid, who is in great danger of her person, I pray you help her with all diligence." Incontinently one came after another, dissevering and dividing the grain, and after that they had put each kind of corn in order, they ran away again in all haste. When night came, Venus returned home from the banquet well tippled with wine, smelling of balm, and crowned with garlands of roses, who when she had espied what Psyche had done, did say, "This is not the labour of thy hands, but rather of his that is amorous of thee," then she gave her a morsel of brown bread, and went to sleep.

In the mean season, Cupid was closed fast in the surest chamber of the house, partly because he should not hurt himself with wanton dalliance, and partly because he should not speak with his love: so these two lovers were divided one from another.

When night was passed Venus called Psyche, and said, "Seest thou yonder Forest that extendeth out in length with the river? there be great sheep shining like gold, and kept by no manner of person. I command thee that thou go thither and bring me home some of the wool of their fleeces. Psyche arose willingly not to do her commandment, but to throw her self headlong into the water to end her sorrows. Then a green reed inspired by divine inspiration, with a gracious tune and melody did say, "O Psyche I pray thee not to trouble or pollute my water by the death of thee, and yet beware that thou go not towards the terrible sheep of this coast, until such time as the heat of the sun be past, for when the sun is in his force, then seem they most dreadful and furious, with their sharp horns, their stony foreheads and their gaping throats, wherewith they arm themselves

to the destruction of mankind. But until they have refreshed themselves in the river, thou may hide thy self here by me, under this great plain tree, and as soon as their great fury is past, thou may go among the thickets and bushes under the wood side and gather the locks of their golden Fleeces, which thou shalt find hanging up on the briers." Then spake the gentle and benign reed, showing a mean to Psyche to save her life, which she bore well in memory, and with all diligence went and gathered up such locks as she found, and put them in her apron, and carried them home to Venus. Howbeit the danger of this second labour did not please her, nor give her sufficient witness of the good service of Psyche, but with a sour resemblance of laughter, did say: "Of a certain I know that this is not thy fact, but I will prove if that thou be of so stout, so good a courage, and singular prudency as thou seemest to be." Then Venus spake unto Psyche again saying: "Seest thou the top of yonder great Hill, from whence there runneth down waters of black and deadly colour, which nourisheth the floods of Styx (Στύξ), Cocytus (Κωκυτός)? I charge thee to go thither, and bring me a vessel of that water," wherewithal she gave her a bottle of Crystal, menacing and threatening her rigorously. Then poor Psyches went in all haste to the top of the mountain, rather to end her life, then to fetch any water, and when she was come up to the ridge of the hill, she perceived that it was impossible to bring it to pass: for she saw a great rock gushing out most horrible fountains of waters, which ran down and fell by many stops and passages into the valley beneath:

on each side she did see great Dragons, which were stretching out their long and bloody Necks, that did never sleep, but appointed to keep the river there: the waters seemed to themselves likewise saying, "Away, away, what wilt thou do? fly, fly, or else thou wilt be slain." Then Psyche (seeing the impossibility of this affair) stood still as though she were transformed into a stone, and although she was present in body, yet was she absent in spirit and sense, by reason of the great peril which she saw, insomuch that she could not comfort her self with weeping, such was the present danger that she was in. But the royal bird of great Jupiter (Ζεύς), the Eagle remembering his old service which he had done, when as by the prick of Cupid he brought up the boy Ganymede (Γανυμήδης) to the heavens, to be made butler of Jupiter, and minding to show the like service in the person of the wife of Cupid, came from the high-house of the Skies, and said unto Psyche, "O simple woman without all experience, doest thou think to get or dip up any drop of this dreadful water? No, no, assure thy self thou art never able to come nigh it, for the Gods themselves do greatly fear at the sight thereof. What, have you not heard, that it is a custom among men to swear by the puissance (ed. might) of the Gods, and the Gods do swear by the majesty of the river Styx? But give me thy bottle," and suddenly he took it, and filled it with the water of the river, and taking his flight through those cruel and horrible dragons, brought it unto Psyche: who being very joyful thereof, presented it to Venus, who would not yet be appeased, but menacing more and more said, "What, thou seemest unto me a very witch and enchantress, that bringest these things to pass, howbeit thou shalt do nothing more. Take this box and to Hell to Proserpina (Περσεφόνη) and desire her to send me a little of her beauty, as much as will serve me the space of one day, and say that such as I had is consumed away since my son fell sick, but return again quickly, for I must dress my self therewithall, and go to the Theatre of the Gods."

Then poor Psyche perceived the end of all fortune, thinking verily that she should never return, and not without cause, when as she was compelled to go to the gulf and furies of Hell. Wherefore without any further delay, she went up to an high tower to throw her self down headlong (thinking that it was the next and readiest way to hell) but the tower (as inspired) spake unto her saying, "O poor miser, why goest thou about to slay thy self? Why dost thou rashly yield unto

PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the pages of this website, you will find fascinating stories about our Gods. These narratives are known as mythology, the traditional stories of the Gods and Heroes. While these tales are great mystical vehicles containing transcendent truth, they are symbolic and should not be taken literally. A literal reading will frequently yield an erroneous result. The meaning of the myths is concealed in code. To understand them requires a key. For instance, when a God kills someone, this usually means a transformation of the soul to a higher level. Similarly, sexual union with a God is a transformation.

The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

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Pronunciation of Ancient Greek

Transliteration of Ancient Greek

Pronouncing the Names of the Gods in Hellenismos

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