Reading Notes: Cupid and Psyche, Part B

 The story I've chosen to focus my reading notes on is Psyche's Prayer, from the Cupid and Psyche reading unit. 

At this point, Cupid's identity is revealed to Psyche and Cupid leaves her because of this, for he warned her that if she were to find out who he was, he would abandon her. Cupid is with Venus, his mother, who just discovered that Cupid defied her orders and he himself married Psyche. 

Psyche wanders around constantly, looking for Cupid, leaving no stone unturned. She makes a shrine to the Gods, seeking help from them all. Cera finds her, baffled that she should be looking for Cupid instead of protecting her own safety. Venus's anger is well known amongst the gods. 

Psyche cries to Cera, begging her for her help, and Cera wants to help her. However, Venus is Cera's niece and long time friend, and she is usually good-hearted. In an effort not to offend Venus, Cera declines Psyche's plea for help, telling her she is lucky that she does not hold her captive for Venus.

Psyche leaves in despair, continuing her search for Cupid. Retracing her steps, she finds another temple with offerings. She wipes her tears and prays to Juno, asking her to free her from danger. Juno appears and says the same thing to Psyche that Cera did, she cannot help due to her ties to Venus.

I thought this story was interesting because both goddesses declined Psyche's prayer because of their ties to Venus. Their loyalty to her reigns supreme, however they still spare Psyche from their own wrath, leaving her to Venus. 

(Cupid Abandoning Psyche by Luca Giordano)

Bibliography:

Apuleius: Psyche's Prayer

Story Source: Apuleius's Golden Ass, as translated into English by Tony Kline (2013).