Simbolistica și rolurile zeului Amor în romanul lui Lucius Apuleius
The Symbolism and Roles of the God Cupid in Lucius Apuleius’ Novel

Summary/Abstract: In his triple role of writer, Neoplatonist philosopher and practitioner of mystery religions, Lucius Apuleius includes in The 11 Books of Metamorphoses (Metamorphoseon libri or Asinus aureus) a central story, which does not seem to have a direct connection with the literal meaning of the protagonist's adventures. Blending mythological, philosophical and allegorical elements, the story about Amor and Psyche proposes a literary rewriting of the soul’s journey in search of divine love. Coupled with an analysis of the relationship between the human and the divine plane, between sensual and sacred love, the narrative thread in question goes far beyond the role of a simple narrative episode. The god Amor is conceived in a double role: first as a capricious and seductive young man, and then as a devoted husband who carries his wife to the celestial heights of love. The present article explores the hypostases and motivations of the god of love – both within the narrow framework of the above-mentioned story and in the broader context of Lucius Apuleius’ novel. We are particularly interested in exploring the meanings of symbols that have become constituent parts of perennial philosophy.

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