The Golden Ass Book 4 Part 3: Cupid and Psyche

The episode begins with the story of Psyche, a beautiful young woman who is so lovely that people begin to worship her instead of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty ▶ 0:10. Venus becomes jealous and commands her son Cupid to make Psyche fall in love with a wretched creature ▶ 2:18. Meanwhile, Psyche's father, the king, is worried about his daughter's lack of suitors and consults the oracle of Apollo ▶ 4:14. The oracle delivers a terrifying prophecy that declares Psyche is not destined for a mortal husband, but rather a fierce and powerful being who is feared by the gods ▶ 5:03. The king is devastated by the prophecy, which is essentially a death sentence for his beloved child ▶ 5:49. The episode ends with the king stumbling away from the oracle, his hope shattered into a million pieces ▶ 6:02.

The episode appears to explore the theme of the dangers of unchecked beauty and the power of the gods. Psyche's beauty is so profound that it inspires worship, but it also leads to her downfall. The episode suggests that the gods are not to be trifled with and that their power is not to be underestimated. The story also touches on the theme of fate and the idea that some things are predetermined, as seen in the oracle's prophecy that declares Psyche's destiny.