Eros, in Greek mythology, epitomizes the god of love, emphasizing passionate and physical desire. This deity strikes unexpectedly at the hearts of individuals, eliciting chaotic emotions and profound feelings. As Hesiod notably described, Eros has the power to “loosen the limbs and weaken the mind.”
In artistic representations, Eros is frequently depicted as a carefree and charming youth, often adorned with floral crowns, particularly roses, which symbolize his association with love. The duo of Eros and Psyche frequently appears in classical sculptures from both ancient Greece and Rome.
Eros’ Origins and Family
According to Hesiod’s Theogony, Eros is among the primordial gods, alongside Chaos and Gaia, playing a pivotal role in the creation of the universe. Here, he embodies a form of universal love. Other mythological accounts, like the Orphic tradition, describe Eros as a hermaphrodite born from an egg placed by the Titan Chronos within Chaos. The comic playwright Aristophanes presents a similar narrative, suggesting that Eros emerged from a silver egg laid by Nyx (Night) and Aither (Light). Various myths also name alternative maternal figures for Eros, including Eilithyia (goddess of childbirth), Penia (Poverty), and Iris (messenger goddess).
Eros is often portrayed as both playful and mischievously unpredictable, but he can also be malevolent, striking unexpectedly. Traditionally, he is viewed as the winged assistant of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Some traditions even regard him as Aphrodite’s child, with Ares, the god of war, as his father. Eros is often depicted with siblings such as Deimos (Fear), Phobos (Panic), and Harmonia (Harmony). In some tales, he also has a younger brother named Anteros, who serves as an avenger for unrequited love.
Attributes and Symbolism of Eros
Within the realm of Greek mythology, Eros is mainly tied to themes of desire, love, and fertility. Due to the complexities of these passions, he is often viewed as a cunning trickster. His playful antics can range from harmless mischief to ruthless and chaotic love entanglements, where individuals become helplessly ensnared in his unpredictable affections. This lack of reliability explains why Eros was not regarded as one of the twelve Olympian gods. He is also known to be the patron of homosexual love.
The Impact of Eros’ Arrows
It was believed that Eros’ arrows could make anyone—mortals, heroes, or gods—fall in love, with no one being exempt from their effects. A notable episode occurs when Apollo mocks Eros’ archery skills. In retaliation, Eros strikes Apollo with an arrow, causing the god to fall madly in love with the nymph Daphne. Another famous instance is Eros using his arrows to instill love in Medea for the hero Jason, who is famed for his conquest of the Golden Fleece. Despite being the god of love, Eros himself was not invulnerable to its whims, famously marrying Psyche against Aphrodite’s wishes.
Eros in Philosophical Discourse
Eros has been a subject of discussion among several philosophers including the Epicureans, Parmenides, and Plato, who elaborates on love in works like the Symposium and Phaedrus. In these dialogues, Plato celebrates the power of love as the “most ancient of the gods, the most honored, and the most powerful.” He suggests that love is a crucial driving force for gaining virtue and happiness.
Plato further explores the transformative effect of Eros on individuals, likening it to a breeze gently returning to its source. He describes how a young person, upon seeing beauty, is suddenly filled with love but is often unaware of the source of their emotions. This lack of understanding creates a mirror-like reflection of desire where the beloved serves as a reflection of their own feelings.
Artistic Representations of Eros
From the sixth century BCE onward, Eros is commonly depicted in ancient Greek art as a young winged figure, often bearing a victory wreath. Though often seen with a bow starting from the fourth century BCE, earlier references suggest that he was associated with romantic and celebratory scenarios. Eros frequently appears in wedding scenes or alongside key figures in mythology like Paris and Helen of Troy. Artistic portrayals also include scenes from athletic events and depictions related to Aphrodite.
Eros may be encountered in multiples, referred to as Erotes, signifying love’s diverse manifestations. When grouped, they are identified as Eros, Himeros (Desire), and Pothos (Longing). Historical accounts from Pausanias mention a temple in Megara housing an ivory statue of Aphrodite, along with representations of these three entities crafted by the renowned sculptor Scopas.
Eros has also appeared in monumental art, including the base of the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, one of the Seven Wonders, and in the frieze of the Parthenon as the child of Aphrodite. In later Hellenistic artworks, Eros is often shown alongside Psyche, and terracotta figurines became a favored medium. Over time, the Roman interpretation of Eros evolved into Cupid, typically represented as a plump and playful infant.
