takes tasks that appear humanly impossible to complete. However, in each instances natural forces abide with Psyche and assist her. When she must sort grain, the ants aid her; when she must obtain the Golden Fleece, a reed advises her; and finally, a sympathetic tower facilitates her trip to Hades. In this sense true love is identified with nature in both myths. In "The Dream Of Oenghus," proof of his true love is provided by his ability to separate Caer from a crowd of other swans. In "cupid and Psyche," Psyche only survives the arduous tasks assigned by Venus because she has the support of the sympathetic natural realm. A behavior that is in sympathy with, and supported by the natural order. In both myths, trust is seen as a fundamental element of natural love. It is lack of the faith that leads Psyche to illuminate Cupid and ultimately forces them apart. On the other hand, it is Oenghus’s faith in his love and Caer’s integrity and trust, which leads him to promise Caer freedom and protection. These were the very conditions that win her love. Ultimately, it is Psyche’s dedication to her search for Cupid, and the expression of trust that leads to the reunion of the two lovers. The main idea behind this is that one can identify certain similarities in the two myths and portrayals of love. In both myths, love is aligned with the natural order and predicated on mutual trust and respect. These lovers can become physically sick when they are separated. Beyond these broad similarities, the two myths present a remarkably different perception of love between gods and mortals. In the Celtic tale, the god of love is captivated by a human and he must use all his resources to win her affection. He is assisted in his pursuit by all of the divine family and even all of the mortals they must deal with. Only Caer’s father, (the fairy king) refuses to help and that is because he cannot. His daughter’s magica...
