Psyche & Eros – A Psychological Commentary

In ancient Greek mythology, Psyche was a mortal princess of unsurpassed beauty, causing envy and adoration alike among mortals and gods. However, her beauty also invoked the ire of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who grew jealous of the attention Psyche received. Determined to humble Psyche, Aphrodite ordered her son, Eros, the god of love, to make Psyche fall in love with the most despicable creature he could find.

Yet, when Eros, the god of Love, laid eyes on Psyche, he was immediately captivated by her beauty. Unable to follow his mother's orders, he instead pierced himself with his own arrow, causing himself to fall deeply in love with Psyche. He whisked her away to a secluded palace where he visited her only under the cover of darkness, forbidding her from ever laying eyes on him.

Psyche, longing to see her mysterious lover's face, devised a plan to uncover his identity. Under the influence of her jealous sisters, she lit a lamp one night while Eros slept beside her, revealing his divine form.

Startled, Eros fled, leaving Psyche heartbroken and alone.

Determined to win back her beloved, Psyche embarked on a quest to prove her love and worthiness to the gods. Along her journey, she faced numerous trials, including completing seemingly impossible tasks set forth by Aphrodite herself. With the help of various creatures and gods, including the wild and mischievous Pan, Psyche persevered through each challenge, demonstrating her strength, courage, and devotion.

Eventually, her unwavering love and bravery moved the gods, including Zeus, who granted her immortality. Reunited with Eros, the couple was married in a grand ceremony on Mount Olympus, where Psyche was welcomed as a goddess in her own right, symbolising the power of love, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.

The tale of Psyche and Eros has been drawn numerous psychological commentaries including Erich Neumann, Marie-Louise von Franz and Robert Johnson.

In this session we will read and explore the story of Psyche who falls in love with the god of Love, Eros, and is tormented by his mother, Aphrodite. This is tale for anyone when has been challenged and tormented by experience of falling in love and the desire for relationship.