CupidMythology surrounding Cupid The mythology and information about the Roman God Cupid Name: The name 'Cupid' is derived from the Latin word cupido meaning "desire." *** Jurisdiction: Cupid was described as being the Roman God of Love Mythology: Mythical Family Tree or Relatives: Cupid was believed to be the God of erotic love and beauty. His mother was Venus, the daughter of Jupiter and Dione, the wife of Vulcan although the father of Cupid was Mercury Depiction / Description / Symbol: a bow and a quiver of arrows Cupid is often depicted as a putto which is a naked, podgy human baby boy, often having wings *** Name of equivalent Greek God: Eros Roman Mythology and Information about Cupid Cupid (Eros) was the god of love and the son of the goddess Venus. He was her constant companion; and, armed with bow and arrows, he shot the darts of desire into the hearts of both gods and men. The following legend is told of him. Venus, complaining to Themis, one of the Titans, that her son Cupid grew no bigger than a child. Venus was told by her that it was because he was solitary and that if he had a brother he would soon start to grow. Shortly after a brother, Anteros, was born and Cupid immediately was seen to increase rapidly in size and strength. Cupid the God of Love - Association with Lovers and Saint Valentine's Day This Roman God of Love is still famous in modern culture due to his close association with love. His name and symbols are particularly associated with St. Valentine's day. Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards and love tokens. Valentine symbols include heart shaped objects and the figure of the winged Cupid holding a bow and quiver of arrows. According to legend, Cupid had two different types of arrows which accounts for this Roman god's association with both romantic and erotic love. Anyone hit by one of Cupid's arrow did not die but fell in love. The Golden Arrow signified true love and the Leaden Arrow represented wanton and sensual passion. The ancient myths and legends tell that his mother, Venus, used to send him on such errands. Cupid The content of this Cupid category on life in Ancient Rome provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework. Refer to the Colosseum Sitemap for a comprehensive search on interesting different categories containing the history, facts and information about Ancient Rome. |