Would it be exaggerating to describe Cupid and Psyche as the “Perfect Fairytale” Essay Example

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As she was examining Cupid's arrows, Psyche accidentally pricked herself and fell in love with none other than Cupid. When she accidentally splashed him with oil from the lamp, he awoke and angrily abandoned her for disobeying his command never to look upon him. Psyche searched the earth in desperation for her lost love but to no avail. Eventually, she turned to her jealous mother-in-law, Venus, who wickedly set her four tasks including retrieving a box from the underworld. Opening the box caused Psyche to fall into a deep sleep. Cupid found her and asked the gods to make her a goddess so they could marry. Their wish was granted and they lived happily ever after with their child, Pleasure.The tale of Cupid and Psyche can be likened to the popular fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast.

6 suggests that the folktale elements present in Cupid and Psyche include motifs similar to those found in Cinderella. While there may be some truth to this due to the presence of Psyche's two cruel older sisters, I believe that the story draws more parallels to Beauty and the Beast. Regardless, Cupid and Psyche possesses all the characteristics of a traditional fairytale. The story commences in the archetypical fashion of fairytales, with the proclamation, "Once upon a time, there lived a King and Queen."

The tale features three sisters, two of whom are labeled as "hateful vampires" and "faithless she-wolves," while the other, Psyche, possesses "unequalled beauty." These details prompt comparisons to the modern-day classic, Cinderella. As per 10, fairytales are typically conveyed privately and in prose, with no

specific time or location settings, which is the case with Cupid and Psyche. Unlike myths that serve to explain ancient times, this fairytale is intended solely to entertain its audience and transports us into its enchanting realm.

True fairytales typically include a character known as the "evil puppet master," who is responsible for all the evil and bad behavior in the story. In Cupid and Psyche, this role is filled by Venus, Cupid's mother. Venus is often described as jealous, vengeful, and irrational, as evidenced by her statement: "No I can't let this creature, whoever she may be, usurp my glory any longer. I'll very soon make her sorry about her good looks."

They break the rules, but Venus takes on the role of the witch in the Cupid and Psyche folktale. In fairytales, there are often supernatural or otherworldly elements that assist the heroes or heroines. This is common in traditional literature, whether romantic or mythic.

The natural world is sometimes personified or associated with the sweetness and benevolence of earthly life in realistic or naturalistic fiction. In these types of stories, invisible, kindly, and sometimes supernatural helpers are often depicted as quaint, menial, very old, or even handicapped. These helpers, like those found in myth and romance, also suggest the sweetness of earthly life or the proximity of the timeless. In Cupid and Psyche, for example, the west wind Zephyrus serves as a friendly helper who promptly follows Psyche's commands and safely transports her on his gentle breeze. Additionally, the servants at Cupid's palace are also helpful towards Psyche, providing her with a welcoming and comfortable environment.

The ants that aided Psyche in fulfilling one

of Venus' tasks were beneficial and one can nearly envision them assisting her in sorting through a storeroom of seeds in just one night. These ants are genuine elements of folklore, as specified by 15. Fairy tales typically include uncooperative creatures that increase the difficulty of the protagonist's mission, and in Cupid and Psyche, the chatty seagull causes problems for Psyche. "The loquacious bird spoke freely."

Traditional fairytales often feature mythical locations, such as the magical palace in the dark enchanted forest of Beauty and the Beast. Similarly, Cupid and Psyche also highlights Cupid's palace as a mythical setting, where the palace's description emphasizes its extraordinary and magical qualities, including "The ceiling".

The object was made using both citrus wood and ivory, which were carved to create its design.

The silver-coated walls were lined with sheets.

The remarkable skills of the creator are apparent in the engraved silver depictions of different animals, which might be credited to a demi-God or even a God. Despite P.G. Walsh's interpretation of Cupid and Psyche as a fairytale with mythological features, I concur with Walsh that it can still be regarded as a fairytale while including elements from mythology.

Fairytales generally consist of mystical elements, and Cupid and Psyche is an example with its mythological aspect involving the Gods. The story's lack of historical evidence and basis in reality also places it in the realm of myth, despite being classified as a fairytale.

The story of Cupid and Psyche is a distinctive fairytale, blending myth and folklore to create a magical tale of love that ignites the imagination of people everywhere. In fact, it can be seen as the quintessential fairytale, embodying all

of the classic elements discussed in this essay: wicked and envious siblings, the enduring romantic bond between Cupid and Psyche, an evil mother-in-law, a helpful hero who saves the day, and the intervention of Jupiter himself - culminating in a joyful and satisfying conclusion that ties it all together. These mythological elements only enhance what is already a perfect fairytale for all to enjoy.