Apuleius, retold by Thomas Bulfinch
May be accessed at D.L. Ashliman’s folktexts
This story recounts the tale of the Psyche, the beautiful youngest daughter who must be sacrificed to Venus to save her people from the goddess’ wrath. Venus’ son, enamored of Psyche, takes her to an invisible palace where he only comes to her at night. When her sisters’ jealousy prompts her to look upon his face, Psyche “falls in love with Love himself.” Alas, her disobedience means separation from her beloved until she can complete the arduous tasks Venus places upon her. Unable to succeed without Cupid’s help, he finally brings him to herself and offers her immortality.
Doctrine: Human Person—soul, unity of body and soul. “Psyche” means “soul,” but as a human, she must exist in her body, suffering and laboring on earth while she desires union with her Beloved in heaven.
Audience: high school
Use: Tell the story to students to introduce lesson on man as a psychosomatic unity. Have a discussion about the similarities and differences of this tale to the Christian life.
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