The Classic Fairy Tale
Chronogically, this tale is at the very end of classical mythology. It takes place later than the Trojan war and its aftermath, and is one of the oldest fairy tales recorded. The only written account of this myth that has survived is from The Golden Ass by the Roman novelist Lucius Apuleius, which was written sometime around the year 170 CE.
The Most Beautiful Princess
An unspecified classical king and queen gave birth to three daughters. The youngest daughter was the most beautiful girl ever to live in classical mythology, with the exception of Queen Helen of Sparta. The girl was named Psyche. Because of her immense beauty, many ceased to worship Aphrodite, because it was argued that Psyche's beauty was greater than that of the love goddess – and also because Psyche was still a virgin. People travelled from all across the land to stare at the attractive princess and worship her (sacrifice animals and have ceremonies in her name). Aphrodite became infuriated, and called upon her son and partner in crime: Eros. She told him to make Psyche love a hideous monster. Aphrodite made out with Eros, and then left for a party with the Nereids and Tritons by the sea.
The Oracle
Psyche's elder sisters married, but Psyche remained unwed and a virgin. She was still admired by everyone for her divine looks, but was not asked for her hand in marriage. Her father travelled to one of Apollo's oracles to seek advice. Apollo prophecied that Psyche's husband would not be a human, but a winged being who carried a torch and arrows, and was feared by the gods. The king was instructed to leave Psyche at the top of a mountain for her future husband to take her from. She was taken up to the top, and the ceremony sooner resembled a funeral than a wedding. Zephyrus, the god of the west wind, picked up the crying maiden and flew her to the valley below the mountain, and laid her down on a comfortable grassy flowerbed, where she took a nap.
The Groom's Abode
When Psyche awoke, she followed a path in the forest until she arrived at a heavenly palace. She entered the gigantic palce, which she found was constructed entirely of gold. She was greeted by invible servants who guided her to the dining room, where she enjoyed a great feast and was entertained by unseen musicians. Eventually, Psyche retire to her bed. In the darkness she met her husband, and he left early the next morning. The next day she was comforted by the voices of her handmaidens for the loss of her virginity. For some time, Psyche continued to feast, enjoy the treasures in her luxurious home, and love her unnamed and unseen husband each night.
The Husband's Warning
Psyche's sisters wondered if she was dead, and decided to journey to the cliff where she was swept away. Psyche's husband learned of this information, and instructed Psyche not to visit her sisters because of the marital problems that would ensue. Psyche spent the day crying because she missed her sisters. When her husband came to bed that night, he heard his wife crying. He agreed to let Psyche see her sisters, however he continued to warn her of the danger that the visit would bring. Psyche thanked him, and told him she would rather die a hundred times than lose her marriage with him. The couple embraced, and Psyche found that he was gone by dawn.
The Sisters Visit
Psyche's sister made their way to the cliff and cried for their sister's fate. Zephyrus carried them down, and they were greeted by Psyche. Psyche gave a tour of her palace, and her sisters took much expensive jewelry. The sisters each took first–rate baths, and feasted with their sister, who they grew increasingly jealous of. Psyche said her husband was a handsome hunter who spent the days in the countryside. Psyche's siters left, and discussed their pathetic lives with each other in comparison to Psyche's. They complained of their old and weak husbands, and how Psyche had winds and invisible maids at her command. The sisters devised a plan. They tore their clothes and hair, hid their riches, broght tears to their eyes and told their parents of Psyche's death. Then they plotted the murder of Psyche.
Psyche's sister made their way to the cliff and cried for their sister's fate. Zephyrus carried them down, and they were greeted by Psyche. Psyche gave a tour of her palace, and her sisters took much expensive jewelry. The sisters each took first–rate baths, and feasted with their sister, who they grew increasingly jealous of. Psyche said her husband was a handsome hunter who spent the days in the countryside. Psyche's siters left, and discussed their pathetic lives with each other in comparison to Psyche's. They complained of their old and weak husbands, and how Psyche had winds and invisible maids at her command. The sisters devised a plan. They tore their clothes and hair, hid their riches, broght tears to their eyes and told their parents of Psyche's death. Then they plotted the murder of Psyche.
The News
That night, her husband told Psyche of her sisters' betrayal. He told her that if they should come to visit, she should not speak to them, for they will try to persuade Psyche to find out who her husband is, and no good can come of that. He also informed Psyche that she was pregnant, and that if she kept the secret of her husband, the child would be a god. Psyche was thrilled with this news of her pregnancy of an immortal child.