psique

Psique, or Psyche, is the personification of the soul in Greek mythology. The name derives from the Greek psychē, meaning breath, life, or soul. In myth she is a mortal woman of remarkable beauty who becomes the wife of Eros (Cupid).

The tale centers on love and transformation. After Venus grows jealous of Psyche’s beauty, Psyche is required to prove her worth and must not look upon her husband. When she disobeys and gazes at him, he departs. Psyche then undertakes a series of trials to win back his love and to attain immortality. Among the tasks are episodes such as sorting a huge heap of seeds with the help of ants, collecting the wool of dangerous golden sheep, and obtaining a box of beauty from the Underworld. With aid from various divine helpers, she completes the tasks. Zeus ultimately grants her immortality, allowing her to live with Eros, and their union produces a daughter named Hedone (Delight) or Voluptas in later sources.

Impact and representations: The myth has inspired Western art, literature, and music, and Psyche has become a enduring symbol of the soul’s journey, growth, and ascent. It has been depicted by painters such as Botticelli and Titian and echoed in poetry and opera.

In philosophy and psychology: Psyche is the ancient Greek word for the soul or mind. The term forms the root of psychology, psycho-, and related words. In modern usage, psyche denotes the total personality or mind, with applications in science, therapy, and literature. The term psique is used in several Romance languages as a cognate referring to mind or psychology.