Which mythological couple inspired C.S. Lewis’s novel Till We Have Faces?

Cupid and Psyche inspired C.S. Lewis’s novel Till We Have Faces. The story comes from the Latin writer Apuleius, whose Metamorphoses includes the tale of Psyche and the mysterious god Cupid.

Lewis reshaped the myth by telling much of the story through Orual, a troubled princess in the fictional kingdom of Glome. This change gives the ancient plot a new psychological focus, especially on jealousy, possessive love, accusation, and the difficulty of seeing oneself honestly.

In the classical myth, Psyche is tested after discovering the identity of her unseen husband. Lewis retains recognizable elements while expanding the family, political, and religious setting around them. The result is not simply a modern translation of Apuleius.

The title’s language comes from the novel’s concern with identity and truthful self-knowledge. Orual’s perspective is crucial, but Cupid and Psyche remain the mythological couple at the story’s foundation.