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{{Short description|Greek love deities}}
{{Short description|Greek love deities}}
{{for|the dialogue by Lucian|Amores (Lucian)}}
{{for|the dialogue by Lucian|Amores (Lucian)}}
[[File:Eros-piccadilly-circus.jpg|thumb|''Anteros'', popularly called ''Eros'', by [[Alfred Gilbert]], 1885; from the Shaftesbury Memorial in [[Piccadilly Circus]].]]
[[File:Eros-piccadilly-circus.jpg|thumb|''Anteros'', popularly called ''Eros'', by [[Alfred Gilbert]], 1885; from the [[Shaftesbury Memorial]] in [[Piccadilly Circus]]]]
In [[Ancient Greek religion]] and [[Greek mythology|mythology]], the '''Erotes''' ({{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|r|oʊ|t|iː|z}}) are a collective of winged gods associated with love and sexual intercourse. They are part of [[Aphrodite]]'s [[retinue]]. ''Erotes'' (Greek {{lang|grc|ἔρωτες}}) is the plural of ''[[Eros]]'' ("Love, Desire"), who as a singular deity has a more complex mythology.
In [[Ancient Greek religion]] and [[Greek mythology|mythology]], the '''Erotes''' ({{IPAc-en|ə|ˈ|r|oʊ|t|iː|z}}; {{lang-grc|ἔρωτες}}, ''érōtes'') are a collective of winged gods associated with love and sexual intercourse. They are part of [[Aphrodite]]'s [[retinue]]. ''Erotes'' is the plural of ''[[Eros]]'' ("Love, Desire"), who as a singular deity has a more complex mythology.


Other named Erotes are [[Anteros]] ("Love Returned"),<ref>{{cite book |first=Emma |last=Stafford |article=From the gymnasium to the wedding: Eros in Athenian art and cult |title=Erôs in Ancient Greece |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2013 |page=196}}</ref> [[Himeros]] ("Impetuous Love" or "Pressing Desire"), [[Hedylogos]] ("Sweet-talk"), [[Hymenaios]] ("Bridal-Hymn"), [[Hermaphroditus]] ("Hermaphrodite" or "Effeminate"), and [[#Pothos|Pothos]] ("Desire, Longing," especially for one who is absent).<ref>{{cite book |first=Claude |last=Calame |title=The Poetics of Eros in Ancient Greece |publisher=Princeton University Press |year=1999 |language=en |orig-year=1992 |quote=Original in Italian |pages=30–32}}</ref>
Other named Erotes are [[Anteros]] ("Love Returned"),<ref>{{cite book |first=Emma |last=Stafford |article=From the gymnasium to the wedding: Eros in Athenian art and cult |title=Erôs in Ancient Greece |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2013 |page=196}}</ref> [[Hedylogos]] ("Sweet-talk"), [[Hermaphroditus]] ("Hermaphrodite" or "Effeminate"), [[Himeros]] ("Impetuous Love" or "Pressing Desire"), [[Hymenaios]] ("Bridal-Hymn"), and [[#Pothos|Pothos]] ("Desire, Longing", especially for one who is absent).<ref>{{cite book |first=Claude |last=Calame |title=The Poetics of Eros in Ancient Greece |publisher=Princeton University Press |year=1999 |language=en |orig-year=1992 |quote=Original in Italian |pages=30–32}}</ref>
{{multiple image
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| image1 = Hermaphroditus and Erotes. Onyx. 1st century B.C..jpg
| image1 = Hermaphroditus and Erotes. Onyx. 1st century B.C..jpg
| alt1 =
| alt1 =
| caption1 =[[Hermaphroditus]] and the Erotes, onyx cameo from [[Alexandria]], 1st century BCE.
| caption1 =[[Hermaphroditus]] and the Erotes, onyx cameo from [[Alexandria]], 1st century BCE
| image2 = Ermafrodito e amorini.JPG
| image2 = Ermafrodito e amorini.JPG
| alt2 =
| alt2 =
| caption2 = Detailed engraving of the above cameo image.
| caption2 = Detailed engraving of the above cameo image
}}
}}


The Erotes became a motif of [[Hellenistic art]], and may appear in [[Roman art]] in the alternate form of multiple [[Cupid]]s or [[Cupid and Psyche|Cupids and Psyches]]. In the [[classical tradition|later tradition]] of [[Western art]], Erotes become indistinguishable from figures also known as Cupids, amorini, or amoretti.<ref>{{cite book |first=John |last=Ferguson |title=The Religions of the Roman Empire |url=https://archive.org/details/religionsofroma00ferg |url-access=registration |publisher=Cornell University Press |year=1970 |page=[https://archive.org/details/religionsofroma00ferg/page/145 145]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Leonard |last=Barkan |title=Unearthing the Past: Archaeology and aesthetics in the making of Renaissance culture |publisher=Yale University Press |year=1999 |page=138}}</ref>
The Erotes became a motif of [[Hellenistic art]], and may appear in [[Roman art]] in the alternate form of multiple [[Cupid]]s or [[Cupid and Psyche|Cupids and Psyches]]. In the [[classical tradition|later tradition]] of [[Western art]], Erotes become indistinguishable from figures also known as Cupids, amorini, or amoretti.<ref>{{cite book |first=John |last=Ferguson |title=The Religions of the Roman Empire |url=https://archive.org/details/religionsofroma00ferg |url-access=registration |publisher=Cornell University Press |year=1970 |page=[https://archive.org/details/religionsofroma00ferg/page/145 145]|isbn=9780801405679 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first=Leonard |last=Barkan |title=Unearthing the Past: Archaeology and aesthetics in the making of Renaissance culture |publisher=Yale University Press |year=1999 |page=138}}</ref>


==General role and attributes==
==General role and attributes==
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Stories of the Erotes' [[mischief]] or [[prank]]s were a popular theme in Hellenistic culture, particularly in the 2nd century BCE.<ref>{{cite book |title=Roman sculpture from Augustus to Constantine |volume=2 |last=Strong |year=1911 |publisher=Duckworth and Co. |page=265}}</ref> Spells to attract or repel Erotes were used, in order to induce love or the opposite.<ref name=Collins2008>{{cite book |title=Magic in the Ancient Greek World |url=https://archive.org/details/magicancientgree00coll_596 |url-access=limited |last=Collins |first=Derek |publisher=Blackwell |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-4051-3238-1 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/magicancientgree00coll_596/page/n114 100], 167}}</ref> Different Erotes represented various facets of love or desire, such as [[unrequited love]] (Himeros), mutual love (Anteros) or longing (Pothos).<ref name=ConnerSparks1998/>{{rp|page=133}}
Stories of the Erotes' [[mischief]] or [[prank]]s were a popular theme in Hellenistic culture, particularly in the 2nd century BCE.<ref>{{cite book |title=Roman sculpture from Augustus to Constantine |volume=2 |last=Strong |year=1911 |publisher=Duckworth and Co. |page=265}}</ref> Spells to attract or repel Erotes were used, in order to induce love or the opposite.<ref name=Collins2008>{{cite book |title=Magic in the Ancient Greek World |url=https://archive.org/details/magicancientgree00coll_596 |url-access=limited |last=Collins |first=Derek |publisher=Blackwell |year=2008 |isbn=978-1-4051-3238-1 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/magicancientgree00coll_596/page/n114 100], 167}}</ref> Different Erotes represented various facets of love or desire, such as [[unrequited love]] (Himeros), mutual love (Anteros) or longing (Pothos).<ref name=ConnerSparks1998/>{{rp|page=133}}


The Erotes were usually portrayed as [[nude]], handsome, winged youths.<ref name=ConnerSparks1998/>{{rp|page=133}} The earliest known sculptured [[frieze]]s depicting a group of Erotes and winged maidens driving chariots pulled by [[goat]]s, were created to decorate [[theatre]]s in ancient Greece in the 2nd century BCE.<ref name=Sturgeon1977>{{cite book |title=Sculpture: The reliefs from the theater |last=Sturgeon |first=Mary Carol |year=1977 |publisher=ASCSA |isbn=978-0-87661-092-3}}</ref>{{rp|pages=124–125}} The representation of Erotes in such friezes became common, including Erotes in [[hunting]] scenes.<ref name=Sturgeon1977/>{{rp|page=126}} Due to their role in the classical mythological pantheon, the Erotes' representation is sometimes purely [[symbol]]ic (indicating some form of love) or they may be portrayed as individual characters.<ref name=RabinowitzAuanger2002>{{cite book |title=Among Women: From the homosocial to the homoerotic in the ancient world |url=https://archive.org/details/amongwomenfromho00rabi |url-access=limited |last1=Rabinowitz |first1=Nancy Sorkin |last2=Auanger |first2=Lisa |year=2002 |publisher=University of Texas Press |isbn=978-0-292-77113-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/amongwomenfromho00rabi/page/n257 239]}}</ref> The presence of Erotes in otherwise non-sexual images, such as of two women, has been controversially{{citation needed|date=March 2019}} interpreted to indicate a homoerotic subtext.<ref name=RabinowitzAuanger2002/> In the cult of Aphrodite in [[Anatolia]], [[Iconography|iconographic]] images of the goddess with three Erotes symbolized the three realms over which she had dominion: the Earth, sky, and water.<ref name=Ridgway2002>{{cite book |title=Hellenistic Sculpture: The styles of ca. 100-31&nbsp;B.C. |last=Ridgway |first=Brunilde Sismondo |year=2002 |publisher=University of Wisconsin Press |isbn=978-0-299-17710-2 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/hellenisticsculp0003ridg |page=[https://archive.org/details/hellenisticsculp0003ridg/page/115 115]}}</ref>
The Erotes were usually portrayed as [[nude]], handsome, winged youths.<ref name=ConnerSparks1998/>{{rp|page=133}} The earliest known sculptured [[frieze]]s depicting a group of Erotes and winged maidens driving chariots pulled by [[goat]]s, were created to decorate [[theatre]]s in ancient Greece in the 2nd century BCE.<ref name=Sturgeon1977>{{cite book |title=Sculpture: The reliefs from the theater |last=Sturgeon |first=Mary Carol |year=1977 |publisher=ASCSA |isbn=978-0-87661-092-3}}</ref>{{rp|pages=124–125}} The representation of Erotes in such friezes became common, including Erotes in [[hunting]] scenes.<ref name=Sturgeon1977/>{{rp|page=126}} Due to their role in the classical mythological pantheon, the Erotes' representation is sometimes purely [[symbol]]ic (indicating some form of love) or they may be portrayed as individual characters.<ref name=RabinowitzAuanger2002>{{cite book |title=Among Women: From the homosocial to the homoerotic in the ancient world |url=https://archive.org/details/amongwomenfromho00rabi |url-access=limited |last1=Rabinowitz |first1=Nancy Sorkin |last2=Auanger |first2=Lisa |year=2002 |publisher=University of Texas Press |isbn=978-0-292-77113-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/amongwomenfromho00rabi/page/n257 239]}}</ref> The presence of Erotes in otherwise non-sexual images, such as of two women, has been interpreted to indicate a homoerotic subtext.<ref name=RabinowitzAuanger2002/> In the cult of Aphrodite in [[Anatolia]], [[Iconography|iconographic]] images of the goddess with three Erotes symbolized the three realms over which she had dominion: the Earth, sky, and water.<ref name=Ridgway2002>{{cite book |title=Hellenistic Sculpture: The styles of ca. 100-31&nbsp;B.C. |last=Ridgway |first=Brunilde Sismondo |year=2002 |publisher=University of Wisconsin Press |isbn=978-0-299-17710-2 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/hellenisticsculp0003ridg |page=[https://archive.org/details/hellenisticsculp0003ridg/page/115 115]}}</ref>


== Retinue Members==
== Retinue members==
Groups of numerous Erotes are portrayed in ancient Greek and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] art. In addition, a number of named gods have been regarded as Erotes, sometimes being assigned particular associations with aspects of love.
Groups of numerous Erotes are portrayed in ancient Greek and [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] art. In addition, a number of named gods have been regarded as Erotes, sometimes being assigned particular associations with aspects of love.


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[[Anteros]] (Greek: Ἀντέρως, ''Antérōs'') was the god of requited love, literally "love returned" or "counterpart love". He punished those who scorned love and the advances of others, and was the avenger of unrequited love.<ref name=Evans1970>{{cite book |title=Dictionary of Mythology, Mainly Classical |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmyth00evan |url-access= registration |last=Evans |first=Bergen |year=1970 |page=[https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmyth00evan/page/20 20] |publisher=Centennial Press |isbn=978-0-299-17710-2}}</ref> Anteros was the son of Ares and Aphrodite in [[Greek mythology]], and given to his brother Eros as a playmate because Eros was lonely. In another version, Anteros arose from mutual feelings between [[Poseidon]] and [[Nerites (mythology)|Nerites]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Claudius Aelianus |author-link=Claudius Aelianus |title=On Animals |at=14.28}}</ref> Physically, Anteros was depicted as similar to Eros in every way, though sometimes with longer hair and butterfly wings.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}} He has been described as armed with either a [[gold]]en club or arrows of [[lead]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}
[[Anteros]] (Greek: Ἀντέρως, ''Antérōs'') was the god of requited love, literally "love returned" or "counterpart love". He punished those who scorned love and the advances of others, and was the avenger of unrequited love.<ref name=Evans1970>{{cite book |title=Dictionary of Mythology, Mainly Classical |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmyth00evan |url-access= registration |last=Evans |first=Bergen |year=1970 |page=[https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofmyth00evan/page/20 20] |publisher=Centennial Press |isbn=978-0-299-17710-2}}</ref> Anteros was the son of Ares and Aphrodite in [[Greek mythology]], and given to his brother Eros as a playmate because Eros was lonely. In another version, Anteros arose from mutual feelings between [[Poseidon]] and [[Nerites (mythology)|Nerites]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Claudius Aelianus |author-link=Claudius Aelianus |title=On Animals |at=14.28}}</ref> Physically, Anteros was depicted as similar to Eros in every way, though sometimes with longer hair and butterfly wings.{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}} He has been described as armed with either a [[gold]]en club or arrows of [[lead]].{{Citation needed|date=October 2009}}
[[File:Eros bobbin Louvre CA1798.jpg|thumb|[[Eros]]. Attic red-figure bobbin, ca. 470–450&nbsp;BCE.]]
[[File:Eros bobbin Louvre CA1798.jpg|thumb|[[Eros]]. Attic red-figure bobbin, c. 470–450&nbsp;BCE]]


===Eros===
===Eros===
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{{main article| Hedylogos}}
{{main article| Hedylogos}}


[[Hedylogos]] or Hedylogus ({{lang-grc|Ἡδυλογος}}) was the god of [[wikt:sweet-talk|sweet-talk]] and [[flattery]]. He is not mentioned in any existing literature, but he is depicted on [[Pottery of ancient Greece|ancient Greek vase paintings]].
[[Hedylogos]] or Hedylogus ({{lang-grc|Ἡδυλογος}}) was the god of [[wikt:sweet-talk|sweet-talk]] and [[flattery]]. He is not mentioned in any surviving literature, but he is depicted on [[Pottery of ancient Greece|ancient Greek vase paintings]].


===Hermaphroditus===
===Hermaphroditus===
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===Himeros===
===Himeros===
{{main article|Himeros}}
Himeros (Greek: {{lang|grc|Ἵμερος}} "uncontrollable desire", Latin: ''Himerus'') represented desire and unrequited love.<ref name=Younger/>{{rp|page=40}} Himeros was identified by his carrying a ''[[Tainia (costume)|taenia]]'', a colourful headband worn by athletes.<ref name=ConnerSparks1998/>{{rp|page=178}} He is described in [[Hesiod]]'s [[Theogony]] as being born alongside Aphrodite.<ref name=Theogony>{{cite book |author=Hesiod |author-link=Hesiod |title=[[Theogony]]}}{{page needed|date=March 2020}}</ref>
Himeros (Greek: {{lang|grc|Ἵμερος}} "uncontrollable desire", Latin: ''Himerus'') represented desire and unrequited love.<ref name=Younger/>{{rp|page=40}} Himeros was identified by his carrying a ''[[Tainia (costume)|taenia]]'', a colourful headband worn by athletes.<ref name=ConnerSparks1998/>{{rp|page=178}} [[Hesiod]]'s [[Theogony]] says that he accompanied Aphrodite to the Gods, alongside Eros.<ref name="Theogony">Hesiod, ''Theogony'', 201.</ref>


===Hymenaeus / Hymen===
===Hymenaeus / Hymen===
{{main article|Hymen (god)}}
{{main article|Hymen (god)}}
⚫
[[File:Pothos Via Cavour Musei Capitolini MC2417 n1.jpg|thumb|upright|Statue of Pothos at the Centrale Montemartini]]
[[Hymen (god)|Hymenaeus]] ({{lang-el|Ὑμεναιος}}) or Hymen ({{lang-el|Ὑμみゅーηいーたνにゅー}}) was the god of weddings and marriage.
[[Hymen (god)|Hymenaeus]] ({{lang-el|Ὑμεναιος}}) or Hymen ({{lang-el|Ὑμみゅーηいーたνにゅー}}) was the god of weddings and marriage.


===Pothos===
===Pothos===
{{main article|Pothos}}
⚫
Pothos (Greek: {{lang|grc|Πόθος}} "yearning") was one of [[Aphrodite]]'s erotes and brother to Himeros and Eros. In some versions of myth, Pothos is the son of Eros, or is portrayed as an independent aspect of him.<ref name=ConnerSparks1998/>{{rp|page=270}} Yet others called him son of [[Zephyrus]] and [[Iris (mythology)|Iris]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Nonnus |author-link=Nonnus |title=Dionysiaca |at=47.340}}</ref> He was part of Aphrodite's retinue, and carried a vine, indicating a connection to wine or the god [[Dionysus]]. Pothos represents longing or yearning.

⚫
<ref name=Younger/>{{rp|page=40}} In the temple of [[Aphrodite]] at [[Megara]], there was a sculpture that represented Pothos together with [[Eros]] and Himeros which has been credited to [[Scopas]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Pausanias |author-link=Pausanias (geographer) |title=Description of Greece |at=1.43.6}}</ref> Pothos is a name for the white [[Asphodelus albus]] flower, "used at funerals".<ref>{{cite book |author=Theophrastus |author-link=Theophrastus |at=VI.8.3 |translator-link=Hort baronets |translator-first=Arthur Fenton, Sir |translator-last=Hort |url=https://archive.org/details/enquiryintoplant02theouoft |trans-title=Enquiry into Plants |title=Historia Plantarum|year=1916 }}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Pothos Via Cavour Musei Capitolini MC2417 n1.jpg|thumb|upright|Statue of Pothos at the Centrale Montemartini, [[Capitoline Museums]], Rome]]

⚫
Pothos (Greek: {{lang|grc|Πόθος}}, "yearning", "desire") was one of [[Aphrodite]]'s erotes and brother to Himeros and Eros. In some versions of myth, Pothos is the son of Eros, or is portrayed as an independent aspect of him.<ref name=ConnerSparks1998/>{{rp|page=270}} Yet others called him son of [[Zephyrus]] and [[Iris (mythology)|Iris]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Nonnus |author-link=Nonnus |title=Dionysiaca |at=47.340}}</ref> He was part of Aphrodite's retinue, and carried a vine, indicating a connection to wine or the god [[Dionysus]]. Pothos represents longing or yearning.
⚫
<ref name=Younger/>{{rp|page=40}} In the temple of [[Aphrodite]] at [[Megara]], there was a sculpture that represented Pothos together with [[Eros]] and Himeros which has been credited to [[Scopas]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Pausanias |author-link=Pausanias (geographer) |title=Description of Greece |at=1.43.6}}</ref>

===Phthonus===
{{main article|Phthonus}}
Sometime counted among the Erotes or at least among Aphrodite's retinue, Phthonus was the personification of jealousy and envy,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Accorinti |first1=Domenico |url=https://brill.com/view/book/edcoll/9789004310698/B9789004310698_009.xml |title=Brill's Companion to Nonnus of Panopolis |date=11 March 2016 |publisher=Brill |doi=10.1163/9789004310698_009 |isbn=9789004310698 |access-date=5 July 2022}}</ref> most prominently in matters of romance.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Cupid]]
*[[Cupidon (disambiguation)|Cupidon]]
*[[List of love and lust deities]]
*[[List of love and lust deities]]
*[[LGBT themes in mythology]]
*[[LGBT themes in mythology]]
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category multi|Erotes|Eros|Pothos}}
{{Commons category multi|Erotes|Eros|Pothos}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.livius.org/pn-po/pothos/pothos.html|title=Pothos|website=livius.org|access-date=8 December 2007}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.livius.org/pn-po/pothos/pothos.html|title=Pothos|website=livius.org|access-date=8 December 2007|archive-date=11 June 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020611085222/https://www.livius.org/pn-po/pothos/pothos.html|url-status=dead}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Erotes.html|publisher=Theoi Project|title=Erotes}}
* {{cite web|url=https://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Erotes.html|publisher=Theoi Project|title=Erotes}}


{{Greek religion}}
⚫
[[Category:Love and lust gods]]
{{Cupid and Psyche}}
{{Greek mythology (deities)}}

{{Authority control}}

⚫
[[Category:Erotes| ]]
⚫
[[Category:Greek love and lust gods]]
[[Category:Homosexuality and bisexuality deities]]
[[Category:Homosexuality and bisexuality deities]]
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[[Category:Greek love and lust deities]]
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[[Category:Greek gods]]
[[Category:Children of Aphrodite]]
[[Category:Children of Aphrodite]]
[[Category:Sexuality in ancient Rome]]
[[Category:Sexuality in ancient Rome]]
[[Category:Avian humanoids]]
[[Category:LGBT themes in Greek mythology]]
[[Category:LGBT themes in Greek mythology]]
[[Category:Sexuality in ancient Greece]]
[[Category:Nudity in mythology]]
[[Category:Children of Ares]]
[[Category:Personifications in Greek mythology]]
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[[Category:Olympian deities]]

Latest revision as of 08:54, 10 April 2024

For the dialogue by Lucian, see Amores (Lucian).
Anteros, popularly called Eros, by Alfred Gilbert, 1885; from the Shaftesbury Memorial in Piccadilly Circus

In Ancient Greek religion and mythology, the Erotes (/əˈroʊtiːz/; Ancient Greek: ἔρωτες, érōtes) are a collective of winged gods associated with love and sexual intercourse. They are part of Aphrodite's retinue. Erotes is the plural of Eros ("Love, Desire"), who as a singular deity has a more complex mythology.

Other named Erotes are Anteros ("Love Returned"),[1] Hedylogos ("Sweet-talk"), Hermaphroditus ("Hermaphrodite" or "Effeminate"), Himeros ("Impetuous Love" or "Pressing Desire"), Hymenaios ("Bridal-Hymn"), and Pothos ("Desire, Longing", especially for one who is absent).[2]

Hermaphroditus and the Erotes, onyx cameo from Alexandria, 1st century BCE
Detailed engraving of the above cameo image

The Erotes became a motif of Hellenistic art, and may appear in Roman art in the alternate form of multiple Cupids or Cupids and Psyches. In the later tradition of Western art, Erotes become indistinguishable from figures also known as Cupids, amorini, or amoretti.[3][4]

General role and attributes[edit]

The Erotes are a group of winged gods in Classical mythology. They are associated with love and sexual desire, and form part of Aphrodite's retinue. The individual Erotes are sometimes linked to particular aspects of love, and are often associated with same-sex desire.[6] Sometimes the Erotes are regarded as manifestations of a singular god, Eros.[7]: 45 

Stories of the Erotes' mischief or pranks were a popular theme in Hellenistic culture, particularly in the 2nd century BCE.[8] Spells to attract or repel Erotes were used, in order to induce love or the opposite.[9] Different Erotes represented various facets of love or desire, such as unrequited love (Himeros), mutual love (Anteros) or longing (Pothos).[5]: 133 

The Erotes were usually portrayed as nude, handsome, winged youths.[5]: 133  The earliest known sculptured friezes depicting a group of Erotes and winged maidens driving chariots pulled by goats, were created to decorate theatres in ancient Greece in the 2nd century BCE.[10]: 124–125  The representation of Erotes in such friezes became common, including Erotes in hunting scenes.[10]: 126  Due to their role in the classical mythological pantheon, the Erotes' representation is sometimes purely symbolic (indicating some form of love) or they may be portrayed as individual characters.[11] The presence of Erotes in otherwise non-sexual images, such as of two women, has been interpreted to indicate a homoerotic subtext.[11] In the cult of Aphrodite in Anatolia, iconographic images of the goddess with three Erotes symbolized the three realms over which she had dominion: the Earth, sky, and water.[12]

Retinue members[edit]

Groups of numerous Erotes are portrayed in ancient Greek and Roman art. In addition, a number of named gods have been regarded as Erotes, sometimes being assigned particular associations with aspects of love.

Anteros[edit]

Main article: Anteros

Anteros (Greek: Ἀντέρως, Antérōs) was the god of requited love, literally "love returned" or "counterpart love". He punished those who scorned love and the advances of others, and was the avenger of unrequited love.[13] Anteros was the son of Ares and Aphrodite in Greek mythology, and given to his brother Eros as a playmate because Eros was lonely. In another version, Anteros arose from mutual feelings between Poseidon and Nerites.[14] Physically, Anteros was depicted as similar to Eros in every way, though sometimes with longer hair and butterfly wings.[citation needed] He has been described as armed with either a golden club or arrows of lead.[citation needed]

Eros. Attic red-figure bobbin, c. 470–450 BCE

Eros[edit]

Main article: Eros

Eros was the original, primordial god of love and intercourse; he was also worshiped as a fertility deity. His Roman counterpart was Cupid (desire).[citation needed]

In later myths, he was the son of the deities Aphrodite and Ares: It is the Eros of these later myths who is one of the erotes. Eros was associated with athleticism, with statues erected in gymnasia,[5]: 132  and "was often regarded as the protector of homosexual love between men."[5]: 132  Eros was depicted as often carrying a lyre or bow and arrow. He was also depicted accompanied by dolphins, flutes, roosters, roses, and torches.[15] [5]: 132 

Hedylogos[edit]

Main article: Hedylogos

Hedylogos or Hedylogus (Ancient Greek: Ἡδυλογος) was the god of sweet-talk and flattery. He is not mentioned in any surviving literature, but he is depicted on ancient Greek vase paintings.

Hermaphroditus[edit]

Main article: Hermaphroditus

Hermaphroditus was the god of hermaphrodites, effeminacy and androgyny. He was the son of Hermes and Aphrodite. Born a remarkably handsome boy but after the water nymph Salmacis fell in love with him and she prayed to be united forever, their two forms merged into one.

Himeros[edit]

Main article: Himeros

Himeros (Greek: Ἵμερος "uncontrollable desire", Latin: Himerus) represented desire and unrequited love.[7]: 40  Himeros was identified by his carrying a taenia, a colourful headband worn by athletes.[5]: 178  Hesiod's Theogony says that he accompanied Aphrodite to the Gods, alongside Eros.[16]

Hymenaeus / Hymen[edit]

Main article: Hymen (god)

Hymenaeus (Greek: Ὑμεναιος) or Hymen (Greek: Ὑμみゅーηいーたνにゅー) was the god of weddings and marriage.

Pothos[edit]

Main article: Pothos
Statue of Pothos at the Centrale Montemartini, Capitoline Museums, Rome

Pothos (Greek: Πόθος, "yearning", "desire") was one of Aphrodite's erotes and brother to Himeros and Eros. In some versions of myth, Pothos is the son of Eros, or is portrayed as an independent aspect of him.[5]: 270  Yet others called him son of Zephyrus and Iris.[17] He was part of Aphrodite's retinue, and carried a vine, indicating a connection to wine or the god Dionysus. Pothos represents longing or yearning. [7]: 40  In the temple of Aphrodite at Megara, there was a sculpture that represented Pothos together with Eros and Himeros which has been credited to Scopas.[18]

Phthonus[edit]

Main article: Phthonus

Sometime counted among the Erotes or at least among Aphrodite's retinue, Phthonus was the personification of jealousy and envy,[19] most prominently in matters of romance.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Stafford, Emma (2013). "From the gymnasium to the wedding: Eros in Athenian art and cult". Erôs in Ancient Greece. Oxford University Press. p. 196.
  2. ^ Calame, Claude (1999) [1992]. The Poetics of Eros in Ancient Greece. Princeton University Press. pp. 30–32. Original in Italian
  3. ^ Ferguson, John (1970). The Religions of the Roman Empire. Cornell University Press. p. 145. ISBN 9780801405679.
  4. ^ Barkan, Leonard (1999). Unearthing the Past: Archaeology and aesthetics in the making of Renaissance culture. Yale University Press. p. 138.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h Conner, Randy P.; Sparks, David Hatfield; Sparks, Mariya (1998). Cassell's Encyclopedia of Queer Myth, Symbol and Spirit. UK: Cassell. ISBN 0-304-70423-7.
  6. ^ see Conner, Sparks, & Sparks (1998)[5] chapters "Aphrodite",: 64  "Erotes",: 133  "Eros",: 132  and "Pothos".: 270 
  7. ^ a b c [full citation needed]Original citations were <<Younger, p. 45, "Eros/Cupid">> and <<Younger, p. 40, "Desire">> with no other reference to an author or title containing Younger.
  8. ^ Strong (1911). Roman sculpture from Augustus to Constantine. Vol. 2. Duckworth and Co. p. 265.
  9. ^ Collins, Derek (2008). Magic in the Ancient Greek World. Blackwell. pp. 100, 167. ISBN 978-1-4051-3238-1.
  10. ^ a b Sturgeon, Mary Carol (1977). Sculpture: The reliefs from the theater. ASCSA. ISBN 978-0-87661-092-3.
  11. ^ a b Rabinowitz, Nancy Sorkin; Auanger, Lisa (2002). Among Women: From the homosocial to the homoerotic in the ancient world. University of Texas Press. p. 239. ISBN 978-0-292-77113-0.
  12. ^ Ridgway, Brunilde Sismondo (2002). Hellenistic Sculpture: The styles of ca. 100-31 B.C.. University of Wisconsin Press. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-299-17710-2.
  13. ^ Evans, Bergen (1970). Dictionary of Mythology, Mainly Classical. Centennial Press. p. 20. ISBN 978-0-299-17710-2.
  14. ^ Claudius Aelianus. On Animals. 14.28.
  15. ^ Smith, William (1873). "Eros". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. London, UK.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  16. ^ Hesiod, Theogony, 201.
  17. ^ Nonnus. Dionysiaca. 47.340.
  18. ^ Pausanias. Description of Greece. 1.43.6.
  19. ^ Accorinti, Domenico (11 March 2016). Brill's Companion to Nonnus of Panopolis. Brill. doi:10.1163/9789004310698_009. ISBN 9789004310698. Retrieved 5 July 2022.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Erotes, Eros and Pothos.
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