An intaglio signet ring by Lost Owl. The small bloodstone panel is carved with a butterfly, the classical representation of Psyche...  In classical mythology, Psyche is the wife of Cupid, the Roman god of love, desire, and attraction, and she is often represented as a beautiful woman with butterfly wings or, as we see here, as simply a butterfly. The word Psyche has Greek origins, and is commonly translated as ‘life’, and ‘spirit’, which has led to her becoming known as the Greek goddess of the soul. The tale of Cupid and Psyche details how the pair met and fell in love, and the story goes as follows… Once upon a time there were three princesses. The eldest two were lovely enough to be admired everywhere, but the youngest was so entirely beautiful that many in the kingdom gave up the cult of Venus and worshiped the young girl instead. Her name was Psyche. Venus, as a vengeful and jealous goddess, could bear no rivalry so summoned her son, Cupid, and told him to use one of his arrows to make Psyche fall in love with a pig. Ever the dutiful son, Eros set off on his mission but as he drew his bow he accidentally scratched his arm on the tip of the arrow, gazed on Psyche, and fell madly in love with her. A long story then ensues, long and winding with many-a-plot-twist. A story that forms the foundation of many Western fairy tales, whereby Psyche is carried off to a magical castle with an invisible retinue to serve on her; jealous sisters; and impossible tasks like sorting grains of rice. It does ultimately have a happy ending though, with the couple reconciling and Cupid granting Psyche immortality so they can be wed as equals. This tale conveys the classical theme that ‘love conquers all’, as well as the idea that the human soul endures pain and change but can still have a happy ending, like a butterfly bursting from its cocoon. Part of Spells & Sigils, our collection of hand-engraved signet and posy rings. Era: Art Deco, 1938 Ring size: N 1/2 or 7 US Head siz