Cupid and Psyche: Part 1

In Greece there lived a princess so graceful and so fair that to her glowing beauty no other could compare. The maiden's name was Psyche, and it was known by all, including jealous Venus who plotted Psyche's fall. For Venus was a goddess and thought it was her right to be the greatest beauty: the world's fairest sight. So Venus turned to Cupid, her arrow-shooting son who thought that causing people to fall in love was fun. If Cupid aimed his arrow directly at your heart, you'd fall in love no matter how tough you were or smart. "My son," exclaimed the goddess, "please save me from my shame. There is a mortal princess, and Psyche is her name. No woman is more lovely — at least that's what they say. And from your mother's beauty they all have turned away. I want your stealthy arrow to make her choose a mate as horrible and monstrous as nature can create. This punishment is worthy of Psyche's wicked crime. So fly to her, my Cupid, and waste no precious time." But Venus failed to reckon that even her own son by Psyche's lovely features would easily be won. When Cupid saw the maiden, he shot his loving dart, but this misguided arrow went back and stung his heart. And yet his second arrow its target did not miss. In love with Cupid, Psyche gave him a burning kiss. When Venus saw what happened, she took her son away. But Psyche followed closely, and Venus heard her say: "Please bring him back, oh goddess, or I will cease to live. And anything you fancy for Cupid I will give." "All right," responded Venus, "three things of you I ask. He's yours if you accomplish precisely every task." Cont'd in Cupid and Psyche: Part 2