Cupid is the Roman god of love, often depicted with a bow and arrow, whose arrows are said to cause people to fall in love. He corresponds to the Greek god Eros.
Cupid's Role and Attributes
- God of Love: Cupid's primary role is to incite love and desire.
- Bow and Arrow: His signature weapon, used to pierce hearts and cause infatuation. Those struck by Cupid's arrow fall deeply in love with the next person they see.
- Son of Venus: Cupid is the son of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty. In Greek mythology, Eros is often considered the son of Aphrodite.
Cupid and Psyche
One well-known myth involving Cupid is the story of Cupid and Psyche. In this tale, Venus is jealous of Psyche's beauty, as mortals begin to neglect Venus's worship in favor of admiring Psyche. As a result, Venus commands Cupid to make Psyche fall in love with a hideous monster. However, Cupid himself falls in love with Psyche. The story explores themes of love, trust, and the challenges of immortal-mortal relationships.
Cupid in Modern Culture
Cupid remains a prevalent figure in modern culture, particularly associated with Valentine's Day. He is often depicted as a cherubic, winged infant armed with a bow and arrow, symbolizing romantic love.
