Greek Mythology

The Classical Gods of Ancient Greece

EROS

Greek Desire God

Also known as Erotes, Himeros

Picture of the Greek Desire God Eros from our Greek mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

Irresistibly handsome God of Love, Sex and Desire

One of the most popular Gods of all time, ancient legends tell how Eros was born of Chaos and helped Uranus (Heaven) and Gaia (Earth) get it together. Their offspring helped to populate the universe and fill the pages of mythology encyclopedias. (Later legends claim he’s the son of Aphrodite the Goddess of Love, but that’s just too obvious, isn’t it?)

An irresistibly handsome youth, his bittersweet role is to stir the passions and create desire, no matter how many hearts get broken in the process. To help in this mission, he carries a lethal love weapon — a magic bow. No-one can withstand Eros’s Arrow of Lurve.

With two strings to his bow, he can fire golden arrows for true love or leaden ones for indifference. So it’s best to get on his good side if you’re feeling smoochy. Do you really want to risk your gorgeous date being hit with a lead arrow?

Warning: always be tactful and kind in matters of the heart. If you reject the love of another in a cruel or mocking manner, his brother Anteros will enact revenge upon you.

The most eligible bachelor in the universe, Eros finally married the lovely mortal Psyche after accidentally pricking himself with one of his own arrows. This was a match made not in Heaven, but in the Underworld.

When the Romans took over the Greek flowers and choccies empire, Eros became known as Cupid and turned from a handsome stallion of a God into a cute and cuddly baby angel. How embarrassing.

If there’s something lacking in your love life, you should pay a visit to the famous Eros statue at Piccadilly Circus in London. (Strictly speaking it’s a statue of his brother Anteros, but don’t worry about that.) Piccadilly Circus is full of gorgeously eligible girls and boys, so you’re bound to find someone fabulous. This service brought to you by the Godchecker Dating Agency. You’re welcome.

Eros Facts and Figures

Name: Eros
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Erotes, Himeros

Gender: Male
Type: God
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Desire
Area of expertise: Desire, Lust

Good/Evil Rating: Unknown at present
Popularity index: 12708

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Article last revised on September 05, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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