classic

I'm currently reading Homer's "Odyssey" for my World Masterpieces class. I've read sections of it before, so it's nothing new to read. However, as this is not an abridged version, there's a lot more to appreciate. I know it's not in the original Greek, but since I don't speak any form of Greek, I'm okay with that.

As there are a bajillion references to the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece, I decided to google images of these deities so as to refresh my memory of their typical depictions. After all, most artwork uses the same types of elements to portray the same characters--Diana is usually depicted with a bow and a quiver of arrows, Zeus has lightning bolts, etc. Anyhow, I went through some of the typical deities, and then decided to google Psyche.

Psyche, of course, did not start out as a goddess and only after many trials and a significant issue with distrusting her man, eventually is given immortality. But that's a long story and I don't want to go into it. Google Psyche and Cupid and read it for yourself.

Anyhow, ever since about fourth grade when I read my mom's college mythology book--repeatedly--I have really liked the story of Psyche and Cupid. (Or Cupid and Psyche, if you prefer. It doesn't matter--it's the same people.) I don't know why I've been attracted to this story. Maybe it's that the seemingly perfect beauty has the flaw of not trusting her hubby long enough for them to remain together. Or maybe it's that once she messes up, she rises to meet the challenges of her new mother-in-law--and let's face it, those are pretty hard even if you don't take into consideration having to separate five types of seeds and grain and going to hell and back without dying.

All this to say: I found a lovely image of Cupid and Psyche, albeit a little scandalous in its portrayal. Hey...nothing's showing! And it's art. So lighten up.