Eros (Olympian)
godThe Olympian Eros was the mischievous winged god of love — son of Aphrodite, whose golden arrows caused irresistible desire and whose lead arrows caused revulsion.
The Myth
Unlike the primordial Eros (cosmic creative force), the Olympian Eros was a young, winged archer. He shot gods and mortals alike: his golden arrow made Apollo obsess over Daphne, while his lead arrow made her flee. He fell in love with the mortal Psyche, visiting her only in darkness. When she broke her promise not to look at him, he fled. Their reunion, after Psyche's impossible labours, produced a daughter named Voluptas (Pleasure). The story is the most complete romance in ancient literature.
Children
Voluptas (by Psyche)
Symbols
Fun Fact
Cupid (Eros's Roman form) on Valentine's cards is this god — the original archer of love, shooting people into desire since Homer.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Aphrodite
godGoddess of love and beauty, born from the sea foam. Aphrodite's power to inspire desire was so...
Apollo
godGod of light, music, poetry, and prophecy. Apollo embodied the Greek ideal of youthful masculine...
Ares
godGod of the brutal, savage side of war. Unlike Athena's strategic warfare, Ares represented the raw...
Daphne
heroA nymph who prayed to be transformed rather than submit to Apollo's pursuit. She became the laurel...
Eros
conceptIn the oldest myths, Eros was a primordial force — one of the first beings to emerge from Chaos,...
Olympia
placeOlympia was the sanctuary in the Peloponnese where the ancient Olympic Games were held every four...