Valentine’s Day: Who Was Cupid?

Have you ever noticed the image of a winged baby with a bow and arrow popping up every Valentine’s Day? That adorable little figure is Cupid, a symbol of love and romance. According to legend, anyone struck by one of Cupid’s magical arrows would fall in love with the next person they saw. Some say this explains the phenomenon of love at first sight.

All About Cupid

Cupid comes from Roman mythology. He’s the son of Venus, the goddess of beauty, and Mars, the god of war. As the god of love, Cupid wields incredible power. His arrows can spark love, encourage confessions of feelings, and even reveal hidden romantic desires.

But Cupid’s abilities go beyond matchmaking—he can also become invisible, though he’s said to be visible when asleep.

As a young god, Cupid’s good looks caused some trouble. His grandfather, Jupiter, grew jealous of his beauty. To protect her son, Venus took Cupid to the woods, where he sharpened his archery skills and learned to make his own arrows.

Did Cupid Find Love?

Cupid’s own love story is as dramatic as his mythology. Venus grew jealous of a beautiful mortal named Psyche and asked Cupid to make her fall in love with the most hideous man alive. But the plan backfired—Cupid accidentally pricked himself with one of his own arrows and fell deeply in love with Psyche.

Cupid’s mischievous nature and romantic escapades make him an enduring symbol of love. So, the next time you see Cupid around Valentine’s Day, you’ll know there’s much more to the story of this famous winged matchmaker.

Happy Valentine’s Day!