Question

Name and explain the archetypes illustrated in the myth of Cupid and Psyche

Answer 1

The myth of Cupid and Psyche revolves around many archetypes. Among these the maiden, the shadow, the fall, the sacrifice, the task and the saviour are essential in the story.

The maiden is depicted by princess Psyche whose beauty seems paralleled only by the pureness of her heart. The shadow, which manifests itself through the corruption of feelings, affects Venus making her envious of Psyche's beauty and sending her son Cupid to do her harm. Later in the tale, it also affects Psyche's sisters who become envious of her happiness and plant a seed of mistrust against her invisible husband. The fall occurs when full of doubt, Psyche transgresses Cupid's warning not to attempt to see him, action for which he is wounded and must leave her in misery.

The sacrifice is present when Psyche undertakes Venus's impossible tasks in order to be given a second chance with Cupid. Some of the tasks involve, sorting out Venus's Doves' mountain of grain, collecting golden wool from fierce sheep Psyche and going in and out of the underworld for which she counts on the help of several saviours such as ants, nymphs and a misterious voice respectively.

Answer 2

The myth of Cupid and Psyche illustrates several archetypes. First, it uses the situational archetype of the Tasks or Tests that Psyche must perform. Psyche herself is an example of the Ingénue and/or Maiden character. She is young and beautiful and grows into a clever young woman. Venus is portrayed as the Wicked Witch or Stepmother with her unreasonable demands. The story calls to mind several situational archetypes: Beauty and the Beast, True Love's Kiss, and the Power of Love are all seen in this story. Like the story of Beauty and the Beast, Psyche believes she is being sent to be the bride of a horrific serpent who hides himself from her by day. And like that story, she is also led to betray him by her sisters who convince her to spy on him. Cupid awakening her from her deep slumber is like the traditional True Love's Kiss delivered by countless princes to awaken their princesses. And the Power of Love conquers all when Psyche is made immortal so the two lovers can be united forever.