Aphrodite & Eros by Barbara Breitenberger

The Greek ἔρως, meaning 'desire', comes from ἔραμαι 'to desire, love', of uncertain etymology. This iteration Eros/Cupid became a major icon and symbol of Valentine's Day. His iconography and role influenced the depiction of Cupid, in addition to Christian tradition.

His role in myths is mostly complementary he often appears in the presence of Aphrodite and the other love gods and often acts as a catalyst for people to fall in love, but has little unique mythology of his own the most major exception to that being the myth of Eros and Psyche, the story of how he met and fell in love with his wife.Įros, or rather his Roman equivalent Cupid, remained popular during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In both cases, he is winged and carries his signature bow and arrows, which he uses to make both mortals and immortal gods fall in love, usually under the guidance of Aphrodite. He is usually presented as a handsome young man, though in some appearances he is a juvenile boy full of mischief, ever in the company of his mother. In the earliest account, he is a primordial god, while in later accounts he is described as one of the children of Aphrodite and Ares and, with some of his siblings, was one of the Erotes, a group of winged love gods.

His Roman counterpart was Cupid ('desire'). In Greek mythology, Eros ( UK: / ˈ ɪər ɒ s, ˈ ɛr ɒ s/, US: / ˈ ɛr ɒ s, ˈ ɛr oʊ s/ Ancient Greek: Ἔρως, romanized: Érōs, lit.'Love, Desire') is the Greek god of love and sex.

Aphrodite & Eros by Barbara Breitenberger