CUPIDThe Italian Cupid or Amor, the Greek Eros, is the god of love, son of Aphrodite, by either Zeus, Ares or Hermes. Cupid was thought of as a beautiful but wanton boy, armed with a golden quiver full of 'arrowed desires'. According to a late legend, Venus became jealous of beautiful Psyche, 'the soul', and ordered her son to inspire her with love for the ugliest of all men. It happened that Cupid himself fell in love with Psyche and, invisible, visited every night. He ordered her not to attempt to see him and when, overcome by curiosity, she violated his command, he deserted her. Psyche wandered about the world seeking him, overcoming many obstacles place in her way by Venus, until at last Jupiter granted her immortality and the lovers were united. The Greco-Roman conception of the love god, however, lacks the brilliance and subtlety of his Hindu counterpart, Kama.
