A Guide to Fables Related to Cupid: Myths of Love and Desire

Cupid, also known as Eros in Greek mythology, is one of the most enduring symbols of love and desire. As the Roman god of love, he is often depicted as a mischievous cherub armed with a bow and arrows, which he uses to inspire love or infatuation. Over centuries, numerous fables, myths, and stories have revolved around Cupid, exploring themes of love, passion, betrayal, and redemption. This Hong Kong Florist guide delves into some of the most well-known fables and their significance.

1. Cupid and Psyche

The Classic Tale of Love and Trust

• Origin: Roman mythology; most notably recorded in Metamorphoses (also known as The Golden Ass) by Apuleius.

• Story: Psyche, a mortal woman of extraordinary beauty, incurs the jealousy of Venus (Aphrodite). Venus sends her son Cupid to make Psyche fall in love with a hideous creature. However, Cupid accidentally pricks himself with his arrow and falls in love with her instead. He whisks her away to a secret palace, where he visits her each night but forbids her from looking at him. Psyche, urged by her sisters, eventually sneaks a glimpse of Cupid while he sleeps, breaking his trust. Cupid abandons her, and Psyche must undergo a series of arduous tasks set by Venus to win him back. After many trials, the couple is reunited, and Psyche is granted immortality.

• Themes:

  • The transformative power of love.

  • Trust as a cornerstone of relationships.

  • Redemption through perseverance and devotion.

2. Cupid's Mischief

The Trickster God of Love

• Story: Cupid is often portrayed as a playful trickster who meddles in the affairs of gods and mortals alike. In various myths, his arrows cause unexpected and often humorous consequences. For example:

  • He makes Apollo fall in love with the nymph Daphne, who despises him, leading to her transformation into a laurel tree.

  • He causes chaos among the gods by sparking ill-suited romantic entanglements, such as making Mars (Ares) and Venus fall in love, much to the chagrin of Vulcan (Hephaestus).

• Themes:

  • The unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of love.

  • Love’s ability to transcend logic and reason.

3. Cupid and the Golden Arrow

The Two Types of Arrows

• Story: According to myth, Cupid wields two kinds of arrows:

  • Golden Arrows: Inspire uncontrollable love and attraction.

  • Lead Arrows: Incite aversion or disinterest. In one fable, Cupid uses a golden arrow on Daphne and a lead arrow on Apollo, resulting in unrequited love. These arrows symbolize the duality of love—its joys and sorrows, as well as its power to unite or divide.

• Themes:

  • The duality of love and rejection.

  • The idea that love can be both a blessing and a curse.

4. Venus and Cupid: The Mother-Son Relationship

A Partnership in Love’s Affairs

• Story: Venus often collaborates with Cupid in manipulating mortals and gods. In one fable, Venus asks Cupid to inspire Dido, the Queen of Carthage, to fall in love with Aeneas, as part of a divine plan. However, these interventions often have unintended consequences, showcasing the complexities of love and desire.

• Themes:

  • Maternal influence and divine interference in human lives.

  • The ripple effects of love’s decisions.

5. Cupid and Anteros: Love Returned

The Balance of Love

• Story: Anteros, the god of reciprocal love, is often depicted as Cupid's twin or counterpart. In one myth, Cupid becomes weak and ineffective until Anteros stands beside him, symbolizing that love thrives only when it is returned. This fable illustrates the importance of mutual affection and respect in relationships.

• Themes:

  • The importance of reciprocity in love.

  • The interdependence of giving and receiving love.

6. Cupid and the Seasons

Love’s Connection to Nature

• Story: Some fables associate Cupid with the changing seasons, emphasizing that love, like nature, goes through cycles of growth, fruition, and renewal. In these tales, Cupid is sometimes depicted helping spring emerge from winter or fostering new beginnings after times of hardship.

• Themes:

  • The cyclical and enduring nature of love.

  • Love as a force of renewal and vitality.

Symbolism of Cupid in Fables

• The Bow and Arrows: Represent the sudden, piercing nature of love.

• Wings: Symbolize the fleeting and whimsical qualities of romance.

• Blindfold: Reflects the saying "love is blind," signifying love's impartiality and unpredictability.

• Flames and Torches: Associated with Cupid, representing the passionate and consuming nature of love.

Relevance of Cupid’s Fables Today

Cupid's stories continue to resonate because they capture universal truths about the human experience of love. They explore emotions ranging from joy and passion to heartbreak and longing, providing timeless lessons about relationships, trust, and the complexities of desire.

The fables of Cupid are a treasure trove of insights into the mysteries of love and the human condition. Whether as a mischievous child or a devoted lover, Cupid embodies the paradoxical nature of love—joyful yet painful, fleeting yet eternal. These timeless tales remind us that love, in all its forms, is one of life’s greatest adventures.