The Dream of Oenghus :: essays research papers

The Dream of Oenghus     The Celtic myth, "The Dream of Oenghus," relates the tale of Oenghus theCeltic god of dearest and his long search for true love. Oenghus is the son ofBoann and Daghdhae. Boann the white cow goddess, and Daghdhae the begin of allgods, the "good god."     In a dream Oenghus sees "the loveliest figure in Ireland" His memoryof this vision makes him ill with loneliness and he begins to waste away. Withthe help of his mother, and some other of his fathers sons, Bodhbh, he begins hissearch for the girl he dreamt of. When, after years, he successfully completeshis search the lovers travels to Bruigh Mac, his home.     Chronologically and geographically distant, Apuleius second centuryrecord of the original Greek myth of Cupid and Psyche also relates a story ofamorous pursuit. In Apuleius account Psyche is the most beautiful of allmortals. "The fame of her surpassing beauty f east over the earthand men?would even say that Venus herself could not equal this mortal." Out ofjealousy, Venus commands Cupid to make Psyche fall in love with "the vilest andmost despicable creature in the whole world." However, dispatched on hiserrand Cupid is astonished by her beauty and "as if he had shot one of hisarrows into his own breast" falls completely in love with her.     Cupid dumbfounded by the love he suddenly feels carries Psyche off.Although Psyche is never able to gaze on Cupid she is confident of the love herunseen paramour expresses in the dark each night. Eventually, prompted by herunbelieving and somewhat envious sisters she lights a lamp and discovers thather lover is Cupid. Unfortunately, Cupid hurt by both the oil sputtering fromthe lamp and her faithlessness fees. Psyche deeply grieved by her lack of faithand subsequent loss of love pledges to search for Cupid forever. "I quarter spendthe rest of my life searc hing for him. If he has no more love left for me, atleast I can show him how some(prenominal) I love him." Eventually after many trials andtribulations, largely at the inspiration of the still jealous Venus, she isreunited with Cupid and comes to live the live of the immortals.     These myths share a parkland fundamental theme. In both instances, themyths document a love between a mortal and a god. Moreover, both of thecourtships involve long periods of separation, difficult and dire journeysin pursuit of the beloved, and deep ongoing uncertainty as to the ultimateoutcome of the fat of the lovers. Clearly, it is not unreasonable to contend