Cupid

Cupid is the Greek deity of desire, erotic love, attraction, and affection. He is frequently shown as the son of Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars, the god of battle. He is also known as Amor in Latin ("Love"). Eros is his Greek equivalent. Although Eros is typically depicted as a slim winged youngster in Classical Greek art, he was frequently depicted as a plump boy throughout the Hellenistic period. During this period, his iconography acquired the bow and arrow, which represent his source of power: a person, or possibly a deity, shot by Cupid's arrow and filled with unbridled passion. Cupid is a minor character in myths who mostly helps to set the tale in motion.

Only in the story of Cupid and Psyche is he the major character, and he goes through the trial of love after being wounded by his own weapons. Although there are no additional extensive stories about him, his legacy is rich in poetic concepts and visual scenes, such as "Love conquers all" and Cupid's retaliatory punishment or torture.

Cupid was a popular figure in the Middle Ages when he often had a dual nature as Heavenly and Earthly love under Christian influence. A fresh interest in ancient philosophy throughout the Renaissance imbued him with rich metaphorical connotations. In modern popular culture, Cupid is commonly seen drawing his bow to promote romantic love, as an icon of Valentine's Day. Cupid's abilities are comparable, but not identical, to those of Kamadeva, the Hindu god of human love.