Eventually after many trials and tribulations, largely at the inspiration of the still jealous Venus, she is reunited with Cupid and comes to live the life of the immortals. These myths share a common fundamental theme. In both instances, the myths document a love between a mortal and a god. Moreover, both of the courtships involve long periods of separation with difficult and desperate journeys in pursuit of the beloved. This deep ongoing, uncertainty comes to the ultimate outcome of the fat of the lovers. Clearly, it is not unreasonable to contend that they cover some common ground and address a conventional human dilemma. At the same time one can identify significant differences in the myths. "The Dream Of Oenghus" a god, Oenghus, pursues a mortal. In "Cupid And Psyche" a mortal Psyche must illustrate her love for the immortal Cupid. Oenghus receives the willing assistance of other immortals in his search for his beloved. Cupid is also occasionally assisted by other immortals. However, Cupid and Psyche also endure the wrath of Venus and her endless demands on Psyche. In their relationship they must labor against malevolent gods. In the "Dream Of Oenghus" Caer, the mortal object of Oenghus’ passion is remarkably free of the influence of the gods. Oenghus must seek her, he must identify her, and he cannot simply buy her. In the tale of "Cupid and Psyche" it is psyche that must demonstrate her love and endure humiliation and hard labor to win back her ideal and supernatural lover, Cupid. Thus, these myths share a common theme, courtship and the pursuit of love. Specifically, the pursuit of divine or ideal love. However, their representations of this vary significantly. Nevertheless, these variations serve to reveal a great deal about the assumptions underlying these myths and assumptions that relate to the nature of the gods, human nature, and the experience of love. The remainder of this discussion will focus on...
