Who is Psyche?

A beautiful mortal princess whose beauty attracts so much attention that people neglect worship of Venus.

Who is Venus?

The goddess of love and beauty. Angered by Psyche’s popularity

Who is Cupid?

Venus’s son and the god of love. He accidentally pricks himself with one of his arrows and falls in love with Psyche.

Why does Psyche’s family worry about her future?

Despite her beauty

What does the oracle predict?

Psyche is to be taken to a mountain and married to a terrifying

What happens when Psyche is left on the mountain?

A gentle wind carries her to a beautiful palace

What is unusual about Psyche’s husband?

He visits only at night and forbids her from looking at him. Psyche cannot see who he is.

Why does Psyche’s husband forbid her from seeing him?

He warns that seeing him could destroy their relationship. In many tellings

How do Psyche’s sisters affect her?

Jealous of her palace and fortune

How does Psyche discover her husband’s identity?

She lights a lamp while Cupid sleeps and sees that he is a beautiful god

What happens when Psyche accidentally burns Cupid?

Cupid wakes

What does Psyche do after Cupid leaves?

She searches for him and eventually presents herself to Venus

What tasks does Venus give Psyche?

Sorting a huge pile of mixed grains; gathering golden fleece; fetching water from a dangerous spring; and bringing back a box of beauty from the underworld.

Who helps Psyche with the tasks?

Various helpers—such as ants

What is inside the box from the underworld?

Psyche believes it contains beauty

Why does Psyche open the box?

She hopes to use some of its beauty to make herself more appealing to Cupid.

What happens after Psyche opens the box?

She falls into a deathlike sleep. Cupid finds her and wakes her.

How does the story end?

Jupiter grants Psyche immortality

What does Psyche’s name mean?

“Soul” or “breath” in Greek.

What are major themes of the myth?

Love, curosity

What does Psyche’s journey often symbolize?

The soul’s trials and growth through hardship before reaching fulfillment or union with love.