How was Cupid Born?

Answer 1

Like his Greek counterpart, Eros, the stories of Cupid's origins are conflicting. It does not appear that Cupid's birth is discussed much in Roman literature.

What we have follows in summary:

• First century philosopher Seneca notes that Cupid is the child of Vulcan and his wife Venus.
• First century BC philosopher Cicero said there were three Cupids and three Venuses, and that the first Cupids was born to Diana and Mercury, the second Cupid was born to Mercury and the second Venus, and the third to Mars and the third Venus. Each of these incarnations represented a different form of love, the third was associate with Anteros (counter-love).

Answer 2

In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of desire, affection, and love. He is often depicted as a winged cherub armed with a bow and a quiver of arrows. Cupid is usually considered the son of Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars, the God of War. His birth is often portrayed as being a result of Venus's infatuation with the handsome mortal Adonis, or as a primordial force that has always existed.