"Aphrodite asked Psyche to descend to the underworld and to retrieve Persephone’s special beauty ointment. This was, of course, impossible for a mortal".
Yeah, I begin to have doubts about the impossibility of that task; with all these people going back and forth to the underworld -- Heracles, Theseus, Odysseus, Orpheus, Aeneas, Psyche, if not others -- it might not be as tricky as 'advertised'. Hell, one can also bring in Gilgamesh, Dante... Jesus, I guess (?).
I first read this in Apuleius’ The Golden Ass. I was struck by the themes of a mysticism of darkness and Cupid’s form remaining hidden from his beloved Psyche. This reminded me of the dark night theology of much Christian contemplative literature such as John of the Cross. I was struck by the beauty of the myth and the universality of mystical experience.
"Aphrodite asked Psyche to descend to the underworld and to retrieve Persephone’s special beauty ointment. This was, of course, impossible for a mortal".
Yeah, I begin to have doubts about the impossibility of that task; with all these people going back and forth to the underworld -- Heracles, Theseus, Odysseus, Orpheus, Aeneas, Psyche, if not others -- it might not be as tricky as 'advertised'. Hell, one can also bring in Gilgamesh, Dante... Jesus, I guess (?).
They went back and forth so much that there must have been a subway (tube) station at both ends. 😆
I first read this in Apuleius’ The Golden Ass. I was struck by the themes of a mysticism of darkness and Cupid’s form remaining hidden from his beloved Psyche. This reminded me of the dark night theology of much Christian contemplative literature such as John of the Cross. I was struck by the beauty of the myth and the universality of mystical experience.
Beautiful. I’ll never witness young lovers the same way again. Thanks!
Happy Valentine's Day to all Classical Wisdom readers and contributors. And thank you for the beautiful illustrations that accompany the text.
One of my favourite myths! ❤️