Cupid and Psyche

Psyche was so beautiful that people everywhere looked upon her with amazement. When men turned their devotion away from Venus and towards Psyche, Venus found her altars deserted and was greatly offended. Venus decided to send her son, Cupid, to punish Psyche by making her fall in love with a low, mean, and unworthy monster. However, in his pity and confusion, Cupid wounded himself with his own arrow and fell in love with Psyche.  Meanwhile, Psyche’s parents consulted the oracle of Apollo about Psyche’s solitude and learned that her future husband would be a monster that was awaiting her on top of the mountains. Psyche proceeded up the mountain to discover the monster. Instead she found a beautiful palace that served and entertained her. Her husband, Cupid, spoke to her as a voice but refused to be seen by her. However, Psyche’s curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to visit Cupid while he was sleeping and see what he looks like. Cupid woke up and was infuriated. He fled and she tried to follow him in vain. Then, to win back Cupid, Psyche visited Venus who demanded her to complete a series of tasks. Cupid felt pity for Psyche and helped her out. Jupiter convinced Venus to approve of the pair. Psyche becomes immortal and all is well.

Scheherazade is a pretty legendary love story. Scheherazade was brave enough to spend a night with the king, witty enough to devise a plan, and knowledgeable enough to tell 1,000 tales. She won the kings love and earned her life. (Not to mention, Rimsky-Korsakov did a marvelous job bringing the story to life!)