From art to mythology, literature to cinema, the soulmate concept has fascinated many. The idea that your other half is somewhere in the world looking for you has inspired humanity for millennia.
The concept of a soulmate, the idea that you have a unique person destined to be your ideal partner, is not new. It is present in folklore, ancient myths, and legends from cultures worldwide throughout history. Although not free from criticism, this belief is so powerful that it is still present in the modern world, appearing in art, literature, films, and social media.
This article will delve into the concept of soulmates and how it was viewed in folk tales, mythology, and different art expressions.
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Soulmates in Mythology
Plato’s Symposium
The first appearance of soulmates in literature was in The Symposium, one of Plato’s most famous philosophical texts. In this text, Aristophanes tells the myth that humans were once spherical beings with four arms, four legs, and two heads until they were split into two by Zeus. Since that punishment, everyone has been longing for their missing half.
This ancient story reinforces the idea that soulmates are two parts of the same whole and that finding them will bring infinite happiness and bliss. According to Aristophanes, “When a person meets the half that is his very own, something wonderful happens: the two are struck from their senses by love, by a sense of belonging to one another, and by desire, and they don’t want to be separated from one another, not even for a moment.”
The Red Thread of Destiny
According to ancient Chinese mythology, an invisible red thread connects individuals meant to be together. It is called “the red thread of destiny” and is tied around the lovers’ fingers. This thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.
This lovely story is based on the belief in fate and destiny. No matter what happens in each other’s lives, the Red Thread of Destiny will ensure that those meant to be together find each other.
This legend is still popular nowadays, in China and all over the world, inspiring many to continue believing in true love.
Bashert: Jewish Mysticism
The idea of lovers connected by fate also appears in the Talmud, the sacred book of the Jews. It explains how 40 days before a male baby is born, a divine voice from Heaven indicates whose daughter he is destined to marry. This passage matches the belief that one’s path in life is fated even before birth, including marriage.
This belief also resonates with the Hebrew word “bashert,” referring to things destined to happen, especially when it comes to soulmates. Jewish tradition also views husband and wife as “half-souls,” similar to the story by Plato. They are separated but connected again after marriage.
The Hindu Tradition
The Hindu tradition is full of references to soulmates. One of them is the famous relationship between Krishna, the Hindu god, and Radha, his lover. These lovers represent the connection between the universal spirit and the individual soul. Similar symbols show us that the concept of a soulmate is transcendental and reminds us about our connection with the divine.
A similar symbol appears in the Rig Veda and other Hindu scriptures, referring to the connection between Jiva and Atman, the individual and supreme self. The Rig Veda says: “Two birds associated together, and mutual friends, take refuge in the same tree; one of them eats the sweet fig; the other abstaining from food, merely looks on.”
Besides, the Hindu tradition is rooted in the belief in karma. Karma is the result of our actions, from this and other lives. In previous existences, we may have found someone and are now connected to them, thanks to the results of our actions. Now, we are fated to encounter them again in this life. For this reason, the Hindus also believe that each marriage is made in heaven and is thought to last for seven lifetimes.
Eros and Psyche
The Greek myth of Eros and Psyche (or Cupid and Psyche) also reminds us of the higher meaning of soulmates. Eros, the son of Aphrodite, is a divine being, the representation of love. Psyche, on the other hand, represents the soul. In this story, they are fated to be together; however, Psyche encountered a series of obstacles to reunite with her lover.
This story is considered one of the most beautiful tales in Greek mythology. Some esoteric authors consider it a symbol of the connection between the human soul (manas) and the divine soul (buddhi).
Adam and Eve
In the Hebrew and Christian traditions, we find one of the most famous myths in history: the Garden of Eden. There, Adam lived with all the creatures of God, but he was alone and needed a perfect companion. According to the sacred scriptures, Eve was created from Adam’s rib.
Interestingly, in the Jewish tradition, this was possible because originally, Adam had two faces, which were separated at Eve’s birth. We find a parallel between this story and the story from Plato’s Symposium. Adam and Eve were destined to be together because, at first, they were a part of the same whole.
Soulmates in Art and Literature
The concept of soulmates has been explored widely in art and literature.
Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss (1907-1908)
This famous painting depicts a pair of lovers embracing each other. Some authors consider that this painting represents key mythological episodes, such as Apollo kissing Daphne before she turned into a laurel tree, or Orpheus kissing Eurydice during their wedding.
These mythological couples were fated to be together, so Klimt’s painting is interpreted as a portrayal of soulmates. This artwork also displays the perfect unity between lovers, showcasing the transcendental bond between soulmates.
The Tale of Genji (Heian period)
This classic work of Japanese literature, written by the novelist Murasaki Shikibu, explores the themes of perfect love and the quest for an ideal partner and complement. It follows Genji, a Japanese prince, who raises a woman from a very young age and eventually marries her. She is described as Genji’s ideal woman.
Fairytales
Many famous fairytales describe stories about fated love, the concept of destiny, and “true love.” For instance, in the Grimm Brothers’ Sleeping Beauty, the prince is fated to end the princess’ curse through a “true love’s kiss.”
Soulmates in TV Shows, Films, and Pop Culture
The concept of soulmates is also common in pop culture. Here are some famous examples.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
This film, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, follows a couple whose relationship ends, so they undergo a process to erase their memories of each other. However, they are drawn back together.
Although not explicitly about soulmates, this story explores the inevitability of connection and repetition of patterns experienced by soulmates, who find each other no matter what.
Soulmates (2020)
This TV show tries to answer the question: What if science can determine who someone’s soulmate is? It explores the costs of finding your soulmate and challenges the idea that finding your soulmate will fix you or will mean infinite happiness without problems for both of you.
The One (2021)
Similarly to Soulmates (2020), The One explores the idea of science helping individuals find their perfect match (in this case, through DNA testing) and its consequences.
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran (2014)
The song Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran is about a couple loving each other their whole life, reflecting the theme of eternal love. It reflects on the inexplicable causes that bring people to fall in love with each other. It suggests that this mystery is all part of a plan, fate, or destiny.
A Thousand Years by Christina Perri (2011)
Written by Christina Perri for the Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn soundtrack, this song is about eternal love. It also mirrors the idea that time will make lovers eventually find each other.
Somewhere in Time (1980)
This film digs into the concept of love that transcends time and space. A man travels back in time to find his lover, showing how their love persists even in different lifetimes.
500 Days of Summer (2009)
This American drama follows Tom, a man who passionately falls in love with Summer, a girl who does not believe in love. However, he is convinced that Summer is his soulmate. This film suggests that a soulmate connection is not based on superficial aspects like music taste or other mundane things. As suggested by one of the characters, “Just because some cute girl likes the same bizarro crap you do, that doesn’t make her your soul mate.”
Final Thoughts
Although some psychologists and authors criticize the notion of soulmates—believing it is toxic, makes individuals feel incomplete, or creates unrealistic expectations of love—the reality is that the notion of soulmates can be inspiring and motivating. Learning about how different cultures viewed soulmates can help us deepen our understanding of this belief, find transcendence in it, and inspire us to explore the higher dimensions of love.
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