PSYCHE (Teici). Apuleius is the first writer who relates the loves of Cupid (Eros) and Psyche ('Metamorph.', lib. iv., v.). According to his account, Psyche, the daughter of a king, was the most lovely creature that the world ever beheld. People flocked from all parts to see her, and neglected the worship of Venus, who became in con sequence jealous of her, and commanded her son to inspire Psyche with love for some mean creature. Cupid, however, instead of obeying the commands of his mother, became enamoured of Psyche, and made her his wife. She was, however, subsequently deserted by him for disobeying his injunction not to seek to behold his face. Inconsolable at her loss, she wandered through the world in search of him, and after enduring many trials and sorrows was at length re united to him. Jupiter conferred upon her immortality, and her union with Cupid took place with the approbation of Venus and the other deities. A child was soon afterwards born to them, who was called
Pleasure.
This tale is now commonly regarded as an allegory, representing the union between the divine love and the human soul. It probably had its origin in the Orphean mysteries. The word Psyche signifies in Greek both " soul " and a " We frequently find in ancient works of art Cupid pressing Psyche to his bosom in the form of a butterfly. When Psyche is represented with a human form, the wings of the butterfly are usually placed on her shoulders.
Though Apuleius is the first writer who relates the legend, it is certain that the fable of Eros and Psyche must have been current long before his time, as there are many works of art representing some portion of this subject of a date long anterior to that at which Apuleius lived; though none probably are prior to the Roman period.