The History of Cupid
What would Valentine’s Day be without Cupid? He’s probably the most recognized symbol of dating and love in our pop culture today. But what’s the history of Cupid? As they say in the superhero comics, “What’s his origin story?”
In Greek mythology, he was first known as Eros, the son of Aphrodite. Later, in Roman mythology, his name was changed to Cupid, the son of Venus. Although there were a number of origin stories, one constant was that he was the son of the mythological goddess of love.
In ancient poetry, Cupid was armed with a bow and a quiver of arrows. He had golden arrows to spark love and affection and lead arrows to ignite hatred and disgust. Cupid shot his arrows at the hearts of unsuspecting humans and mythological gods. He was a devious guy who played with the emotions of all his targets.
In one myth, Cupid shot a golden arrow at Apollo, who fell madly in love with the nymph Daphne. But then he launched a lead arrow at Daphne, so she would be repulsed by Apollo.
In another legend, Cupid’s mother, Venus, became so jealous of the beautiful mortal Psyche that she told her son to use his arrows to make Psyche fall in love with a monster. But Cupid fell in love with Psyche and married her instead.
In early mythology, Cupid was represented as a handsome immortal who was irresistible to both women and gods. But in later writings, he was increasingly portrayed as a mischievous child. It is this chubby, love-inducing, cherub that has persisted in recent decades, becoming the pop culture mascot for Valentine’s Day.
The History of Cupid
Randall acts as the lead writer for ColdWater’s Drive Thru History® TV series and Drive Thru History® “Adventures” curriculum.
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