Psyche (mythology)
{{Infobox deity | type = Greek | name = Psyche | image = Pietro Tenerani (1789-1869) Psiche abbandonata (modello, 1816).jpg | alt = | caption = Psyche Abandoned by Pietro Tenerani | god_of = Goddess of the soul | abode = | symbol = Butterfly wings | consort = Eros | parents = Unnamed king and queen | siblings = (sisters) Aglaura and Cidippe | children = Hedone | mount = | Roman_equivalent = }} Psyche (; ; ) is the Greek goddess of the soul and often represented as a beautiful woman with butterfly wings. The name Psyche means "soul" in Greek and was commonly referred to as such in Roman mythology as well, though direct translation is Anima (Latin word for "soul"). She was born a mortal woman eventually granted immortality, with beauty that rivaled even Aphrodite, goddess of love. Psyche is known from the novel called The Golden Ass, also known as Metamorphoses, written by the Roman philosopher and orator Apuleius in the 2nd century. In the myth, she was given multiple trials in order to be with her beloved, Eros, also known as Cupid, god of physical love and desire and son of Aphrodite. The cultural influences of Psyche's story can be depicted in art dating back to the 4th century BCE. The Golden Ass The Golden Ass, written in Latin, is fully survived and written in the 2nd century CE by Apuleius. The novel consists of eleven books, mainly surrounding a man named Lucius. Lucius, dabbling in magic, attempts to turn into a bird but after the spell goes wrong, turns himself into a donkey and goes on a journey where he eventually is restored back to human form with the help of the goddess Isis. Along the way, he hears many stories, including tales about Socrates and the endeavors of a group of bandits. The biggest, most notable story Lucius hears on his journey is about Psyche and Cupid’s love story, spanning books 4-6. Mythology Early life In an unnamed kingdom, a king and queen had three beautiful daughters. The youngest, Psyche, possessed beauty that surpassed that of her sisters which resulted in those around her, including priests, comparing her to Aphrodite (referred to as Venus in The Golden Ass). Many went to the extent of saying that she was even fairer than the goddess herself. In other iterations, she is not compared to Aphrodite but mistaken for her. Psyche's beauty attracted people from all over distant lands to give gifts and offerings. When Aphrodite's temples were neglected as a result, the goddess was outraged a mortal was being worshiped over her. As Psyche's punishment, Aphrodite sent her son, Eros, to make the girl fall in love with a vile and hideous monster, as he had the ability to make anyone fall in love with the strike of his arrows. Eros did as he was asked by approaching Psyche as she slept and touching her with one of his arrows. Psyche awoke, and although