Should Psyche even be included in Helpol considering that she was invented by Apuleius to describe the journey of the human soul after death
Thank you for your ask, that’s honestly a great question!
Anon, you probably already know this - but for those who don’t:
Psyche is not a goddess that was worshipped during the Hellenistic Age, which is generally agreed upon to be the years of 323 BCE and 30 BCE.
Instead the goddess was first introduced in (as anon mentioned) a work of the Roman philosopher Apuleius entitled “The Golden Ass” - which was written during the second century CE.
So by all historical accounts Psyche is a Roman deity, and the invention of Apuleius. And with that in mind - it would be logical to exclude Psyche from Hellenic Polytheism based on the historical evidence available.
While I am neither a historian, nor a religious authority* - I think there is room in the modern HelPol community for some fluidity and modern interpretations within the faith.
*I like to think I know what I’m talking about but at the same time I am not in charge of or “more correct” than any other knowledgeable HelPol.
While Psyche might be more accurately described as a Roman Goddess from the second century - I think the sheer amount of modern HelPols who have happily welcomed her into our pantheon shows there’s enough UPG to support her claim as a Thea/member of the Theoi. Some HelPols might disagree with me on this point, and that’s okay! But I think we can all hold space for different interpretations of our faith, so long as they aren’t harming anyone.
All in all - while it isn’t historically accurate, I’m not bothered by Psyche being included in our pantheon. And I’m not in the business of policing other people’s practices (so long as they’re not harmful).
I hope that helps to give you a well rounded view of the situation- and clarifies the difference between historical fact and personal opinion/belief.
Eirene - peace and farewell,
