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The Story of Cupid and Psyche
The poetic lovestory of Cupid and Psyche was told in the book "Metamorphoses
or the Golden Ass" by the Roman writer Apuleius. A young princess Psyche
was notable for such a wonderful beauty that became praised by people
as the goddess of love and beauty Venus. Having felt jealousy the goddess
ordered Cupid to arouse in her rival's soul love to the most worthless
creature on Earth. But Cupid being charmed by Psyche pleaded with Zephyres
for the beauty to be brought into his chamber and visited her in the dead
of the night. Feeling strong inducement to see the face of her mysterious
lover in spite of the prohibition Psyche switched on the light and spilled
hot oil on the shoulder of the god of love. Incensed about her behaviour
Cupid left alone the scared princess. For a long time sad Psyche wandered
looking for her lover but everywhere she was followed by hatred of Venus.
Once the cruel goddess sent Psyche to Proserpina, the mistress of the
netherworld, to bring a box from her where alleged beauty was kept but
prohibited her to look inside. And again the curious princess could not
stand the temptation and opening the lid breathed in poisonous evaporations
and fell deeply asleep. Cupid having descended to the Earth woke up the
beauty with a kiss. He also pleaded with Jupiter for immortality for Psyche.
She ascended Olympus as a wife of the son of Venus.
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Panel 1. Eros is Struck by Psyche's Beauty
Denis, Maurice
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Panel 2. Zephyr Transporting Psyche to the Island
of Delight
Denis, Maurice
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Panel 4. The Vengeance of Venus
Denis, Maurice
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Panel 3. Psyche Discovers that Her Mysterious
Lover is Eros
Denis, Maurice
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