The figure of Cupid typically brings to mind the image of a chubby baby brandishing a bow and arrow, but this association did not always exist. Before the Romans transitioned and rebranded him, Cupid was originally recognized by the Greeks as Eros, the striking and attractive god of love.
Cupid in Greek Mythology
Hesiod was one of the earliest writers to reference Eros, around 700 B.C., depicting him in “Theogony” as a primordial deity emerging from the cosmic egg. However, various narratives emerged about Eros’ parentage. Depending on the source, he was said to be the offspring of Nyx and Erebus, or of Aphrodite and Ares, or even of Iris and Zephyrus; some versions suggested that he was a child of Aphrodite and Zeus, making him both son and grandson.
Equipped with a bow and a quiver of arrows—golden ones that inspired longing and leaden arrows that provoked disdain—Eros held sway over both divine beings and mortals alike, manipulating their feelings. A well-known myth recounts how he pierced Apollo with a golden arrow, causing the god to fall deeply in love with the nymph Daphne, only to follow that with a leaden arrow to ensure that Daphne would reject Apollo.
The Tale of Cupid and Psyche
In another myth, Cupid’s mother, Venus (known as Aphrodite to the Greeks), grew envious of the stunning mortal Psyche. She instructed her son to make Psyche fall in love with a beast. Contrary to her mother’s wishes, Cupid became infatuated with Psyche and wedded her, but imposed a rule that she must never see his face. Driven by curiosity, Psyche eventually peeked at Cupid, resulting in his furious departure. After wandering the world to find her beloved, Psyche ultimately reunited with Cupid and was bestowed with eternal life.
Poets from the Archaic age portrayed Eros as an alluring adult, captivating both deities and men alike. However, changing trends during the Hellenistic era began to depict him as a whimsical and mischievous youth. In the 19th century, as Victorians began to celebrate Valentine’s Day and instill a romantic essence to the occasion, this adorable depiction of Cupid took center stage on Valentine’s Day cards, a tradition that continues today.
