The Origins of Cupid: From Greek Myth to Roman Icon

Cupid is the small, winged god of love that many of us know today. He’s often shown with a bow and arrow, spreading love wherever he goes. But Cupid didn’t always look like the cherubic figure we recognize. His story has its roots in Greek and Roman myths, where he was a more powerful and complex character.

Eros in Greek Mythology

Cupid’s earliest form was Eros, the Greek god of passionate love and desire. Eros was a young, winged god who carried a bow and arrows. These arrows could make anyone fall deeply in love with whoever they encountered. Sometimes, Eros was said to be born from Chaos, the nothingness before the universe. In other stories, he was the child of Aphrodite (the goddess of love) and Ares (the god of war), which shows how love can mix with conflict.

Eros wasn’t just about romantic love. He also represented the wild and unpredictable side of love. His arrows caused both intense passion and sudden infatuations, leading to all kinds of dramatic and sometimes funny situations. He made gods and mortals alike fall in love with each other, creating chaos in the process.

Cupid in Roman Mythology

When the Romans adopted Eros into their culture, he became Cupid. His name comes from the Latin word cupido, meaning desire. While he kept many of Eros’s traits, Cupid became more playful and innocent in Roman culture. He was often pictured as a small, chubby child with wings, still holding his bow and arrows.

In Roman myths, Cupid became associated with all types of love—not just romantic or sexual, but also love between friends and family. Cupid’s mother in Roman mythology was Venus, the goddess of love (the Roman version of Aphrodite). In some stories, Venus would send Cupid to create love and connection, making him an important figure in the romantic dramas of gods and mortals alike.

Cupid’s Arrows: The Power of Love

One of the most recognizable symbols of Cupid is his bow and arrows. His golden arrows inspire passionate love, while his lead-tipped arrows make people feel indifferent or even repelled. This shows how love can be both exciting and painful—sometimes it’s wonderful, and other times it’s difficult.

Cupid’s arrows became so well-known that they’re now linked to Valentine’s Day, which celebrates love each year on February 14th. The idea of sending love notes and gifts on Valentine’s Day comes from the ancient stories of Cupid bringing lovers together.

Cupid in Modern Culture

Today, Cupid is mostly thought of as a small, winged child who shoots arrows at people. But his origins as a powerful god still influence how we view love today. Cupid’s arrows still represent the surprising and often uncontrollable nature of love. The magic of love, as seen in this tiny god, reminds us that love can come out of nowhere and change our lives forever.

Cupid’s story, from the passionate Eros in Greek mythology to the playful figure in Roman culture, shows how love is powerful, unpredictable, and often life-changing.