Struck by the Arrow of Love

Easter has the Easter Bunny.

Christmas has Santa Clause.

The night has the Sandman.

Which brings us to Valentine’s Day and Cupid.

Depicted usually as a child with wings and a bow and arrow Cupid has become known as the symbol for the holiday. In Roman mythology it’s said that Cupid was the child of Venus, goddess of love. In Greek mythology his mother is Aphrodite; and he’s referred to as Eros. Depending on which culture you look at the god reflects how you may view him.

Cupid, meaning to desire, uses his bite and arrows to raise desire. His arrows would strike the hearts of gods and mortals bringing about love. While some say it was simply to play with their emotions. Cupid was tied to mischievous. Many say it’s thanks to the god's mother Venus. The guides would use Cupid to carry out her revenge on others with his gifts. However, this proved to backfire in her when she sent him to seek revenge on a mortal, Psyche. Cupid fell in love with her, making her his immortal wife contrary to his mother’s wishes.

In Greek mythology Eros, also known as Cupid, is not depicted as a child. The son of

Aphrodite (Greek depiction of Venus) is depicted as a handsome immortal man that is irresistible to mortals and gods. Sometimes shown in armour to parallel the slight line between love and warfare. Some say he is callous and careless with what he does. Simply enjoying the show of manipulating people’s feelings. While others believe he is bringing couples together, benefiting on their account of happiness. Though Eros is also said to be unconquerable which can cause disaster.

The idea of Cupid being a child became popular during the Hellenistic Era. They enjoyed depicting the god as a mischievous child with wings and a diaper. This became linked to Valentine’s Day thanks to Hallmark in 1916. Thanks to cards and other imagery this version of him became the most known and popular. Sometimes drawn with a blindfold on to symbolize live being blind the symbol of Cupid doesn’t have to be a negative one. Many stand by the belief that he gives the little push needed for someone to make the first move!

WORKS CITED

“Cupid.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/Cupid.

“Who Is Cupid?” Google, Google, www.google.com/amp/s/www.history.com/.amp/news/who-is-cupid.