Erotes

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.

For the dialogue by Lucian, see Amores (Lucian).

Other named Erotes are Anteros ("Love Returned"), 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).

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.

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