The Messed Up Origins of Cupid | Mythology Explained - Jon Solo

Jon Solo・2 minutes read

Cupid, originating as Eros in Greek mythology, played a crucial role in creating new life and uniting powers of love through the use of golden and lead arrows. Eros, depicted as a handsome figure with wings, was involved in various myths, including the tale of Psyche, where their love endures trials and tribulations ultimately leading to their union and Psyche's transformation into a goddess.

Insights

  • Eros, originating from Greek mythology as the god of love and creation, was a key figure in the birth of deities through his uniting powers, often depicted with a bow and arrows inducing desire or aversion.
  • The myth of Psyche and Eros showcases a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, where Psyche's trials and eventual union with Eros, blessed by Zeus, culminate in her transformation into a goddess, emphasizing the enduring power of love and the divine.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Cupid in Roman mythology?

    Cupid is the Roman god of love, originating from Greek mythology as Eros, embodying the uniting powers of love and facilitating the creation of new life in the universe.

  • What is the significance of Eros' bow and arrow?

    Eros possessed a bow and arrow, using golden arrows to induce uncontrollable desire and lead arrows to instill aversion, showcasing his power over love and relationships.

  • What is the relationship between Eros and his brother Anteros?

    Eros and his brother Anteros, both belonging to the class of winged beings called the Erotes, presided over different aspects of love, with Anteros being essential for Eros' existence.

  • What is the mythological tale involving Eros and Psyche?

    The tale of Psyche, an immortal princess who falls in love with Eros, involves trials and tribulations due to Psyche's curiosity, her sisters' jealousy, and a series of challenges assigned by Aphrodite to test her worthiness.

  • How does the myth of Eros and Psyche conclude?

    Eros ultimately rescues Psyche from the underworld, leading to their marriage and Psyche's transformation into a goddess, with Zeus blessing their union and granting them immortality, showcasing the triumph of love over adversity in their story.

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Summary

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Eros: The Greek God of Love

  • Cupid, the Roman god of love, has origins in Greek mythology as Eros, who was crucial in the creation of new life in the universe.
  • Eros, born from chaos, embodied the uniting powers of love, facilitating the birth of various deities through his influence.
  • Eros, the son of Aphrodite, was believed to have been fathered by Hermes, Zeus, or Ares, with Ares being the most popular option due to representing the union of love and war.
  • Eros possessed a bow and arrow, with the ability to shoot golden arrows to induce uncontrollable desire and lead arrows to instill aversion.
  • Eros, depicted as a handsome figure with golden hair and wings, contrasts with the later Roman portrayal of Cupid as a chubby baby.
  • Eros belonged to a class of winged beings called the Erotes, with his brother Anteros being essential for his existence, both presiding over different aspects of love.
  • Eros' Roman equivalent, the Amores, were also depicted as winged beings but were primarily featured in paintings rather than myths.
  • Eros' role in myths often involved causing mischief and initiating events, with one notable story involving Apollo being shot with a golden arrow, leading to a series of events.
  • A significant myth featuring Eros is the tale of Psyche, an immortal princess who inadvertently falls in love with Eros, leading to a series of trials and tribulations.
  • Psyche's curiosity and her sisters' jealousy ultimately lead to a betrayal of Eros, causing a rift in their relationship and a series of tragic events.

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Psyche's trials lead to immortal love

  • Psyche searched for Eros in various temples but was pursued by Aphrodite, leading her to turn herself in upon hearing of a reward for information on her whereabouts.
  • Aphrodite tortured Psyche under the guise of preparing her for union with Eros, assigning her four challenging tasks to prove her worth.
  • Psyche received unexpected help with the tasks, including ants sorting grains and Zeus aiding her in retrieving items from dangerous locations.
  • Eros ultimately rescues Psyche from the underworld, leading to their marriage and Psyche's transformation into a goddess, with Zeus blessing their union and granting immortality.
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