Bulfinch’s Mythology · Character

Cupid

God of love, son of Venus, whose arrows cause irresistible desire.

minor

Also known as Eros, XI Cupid, Eros ( Cupid ), Love

First appearance: Cupid and Psyche

Cupid shows up with force in Author's Preface. The page is where that presence becomes real.

His story with Psyche is cited as the source of the fountains of Love and Hatred.

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In Author's Preface: His story with Psyche is cited as the source of the fountains of Love and Hatred. Later, in III: Apollo and Daphne—Pyramus and Thisbe—Cephalus and Procris: Son of Venus; shoots Apollo with a golden…

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Character Web

59 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Greek and Trojan Heroes
Charlemagne's Paladins and Figures
Miscellaneous Mythological and Romance Figures
Protagonist
Arthurian and Romance Knights

+54 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of Tristram’s brief reunion with…

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In the story

Cupid appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Author's Preface
His story with Psyche is cited as the source of the fountains of Love and Hatred.
III: Apollo and Daphne—Pyramus and Thisbe—Cephalus and Procris
Son of Venus; shoots Apollo with a golden arrow to incite love and Daphne with a leaden arrow to repel it.
Apollo and Daphne
Son of Venus; shoots Apollo with a golden arrow of love and Daphne with a leaden arrow of aversion, instigating the chase.
Venus and Adonis
Venus plays with him and is wounded by one of his arrows, sparking her love for Adonis.
Cupid and Psyche
Venus's son who falls in love with Psyche, aids her through trials, and secures her immortality.
Orpheus and Eurydice—Aristaeus—Amphion—Linus—Thamyris—Marsyas—Melampus—Musaeus
Laughs at Minerva's appearance while playing the flute, leading her to throw it away.
Marsyas
Laughed at Minerva's face while she played the flute, causing her to discard the instrument.
C
Child of Venus and god of love, included in the listings.

Chapter companion notes

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See Cupid in Cupid and Psyche

See Cupid in Author's Preface