Eros

**Eros** is the God of Love and Sex. He is the son of Aphrodite and Ares, the grandson of Zeus and Hera and husband of Psyche.

## Background

### **Moonstruck Wrath**

Eros was asked by his mother Aphrodite to make a mortal woman named Psyche fall in love with the most hideous creature on earth after people began to compare her beauty with Aphrodite. Despite his eagerness to do so, Eros fell in love with Psyche after witnessing her beauty. After seeing the abusive life she lived with her family and being forced to marry a man she did not love, Eros took pity on her and abducted her during her wedding. Eros brought her back to Olympus where the two would live together in secret.

Over the next few months, Eros and Psyche grew close and Psyche began to reciprocate Eros’s feelings, becoming more intimate. Despite how close they became, Eros would not tell Psyche his real identity nor would Eros let her leave the apartment as he could not risk anyone knowing he was illegally harboring a mortal for fear of what his mother would do to her. After Psyche began feeling lonely, she asked Eros to allow her to see her family. Eros complies albeit reluctantly and allows Psyche’s sisters to visit her. After being convinced that Eros could be a monster by her jealous sisters, Payche snuck into Eros’s room with a knife in hand, only to be shocked to discover that her lover was the God of Love. Eros awoke to find Psyche had not only discovered his identity but that she was planning to kill him. Heartbroken by her betrayal, Eros left their home in tears, deaf to Psyche’s cries for Eros.

Overcome by his wrath, Eros murdered over 300 mortals. When Zeus and Hades learned of Eros’s actions, they quickly sent Hermes to stop him. Hermes tried to reason with Eros only to be punched in the face. Hermes in retaliation used his staff to knock Eros out, carrying him back to Olympus unconscious. Eros, now back on Olympus, is confronted by his grandfather Zeus over his actions. When Aphrodite discovers what Eros did, she rushed over to defend her son, only to learn from Zeus that not only did Eros murder 300 mortals but also has been harboring the mortal Psyche within Olympus. Before Zeus could act out any punishment on Eros, Aphrodite seduces Zeus into dropping the charges. Eros was unable to face Psyche after what happened and moved back in with his mother while Aphrodite promised to care of Psyche.

## Appearance

Eros has a wide set of shoulders and is quite muscular. He has rose pink skin, eyes, and hair. Under his right eye (looking straight), he has a small, black beauty mark. His hair curls in the front. When using his powers, he has a large set of feathered wings on his back.

On Olympus, Eros wears a wide variety of modern clothing, favoring t-shirts and sweatshirts. While in the mortal realm, he wears black Greek armor with pink accents. Occasionally, Eros also wears a Spartan helmet with a snake design supporting the crest.

## Personality

Eros is genuinely sweet and caring but has a mischievous streak as well. Like his mother Aphrodite, he has a refined taste when it comes to necessities and clothing. Unlike his mother, he has more empathy for others, and dislikes doing anything mean-spirited. He tries to be there to help out his friends, even if it means putting himself at risk.
Eros loves gossip and hearing about relationships, even if it's not his business. While he enjoys teasing others, especially over crushes, he does take relationships seriously. He frequently gives Persephone sound advice and was there for her when she revealed the details of her assault. He is protective over those he cares about, which can often reveal a darker side of his personality.

When rescuing Psyche from her abusive family, he appears as a "monster" to the mortals present, and his eyes become snake-like. After Psyche broke his heart, he flew into a rage and murdered hundreds of mortals, his eyes turning black and pupil-less.

As a younger God, Eros can sometimes be oblivious and rash, best seen with how he handled the Psyche situation. Because of Aphrodite holding Psyche against him, he was willing to let her manipulate him into getting Persephone drunk at a party and putting her in the back of Hades' car, although he does question her pettiness and later makes amends with Persephone. It appears his first experience with heartbreak has matured him somewhat, although he is still too naïve to realize his mother's nymph handmaiden is Psyche in a disguise.

## Relationships

### **Parents**

#### Ares

Ares is Eros's father. Eros seems embarrassed of his father due to his behavior and often scolds him when he acts overbearing. When introducing Ares to Persephone, he calls him "my disaster" before he says, "my dad," and is later shocked when he realizes the two have met before. It appears that Ares cares very much for his son, despite their troubled relationship, as he was furious that Zeus would punish Eros. Eros also seemed concern for his Father's wellbeing when Ares was gone for months under orders of Zeus.

Despite their vastly different personalities, they share many similarities. Both have similar outfits while in the mortal realm, similar hair curls, and similar expressions when smirking about interesting developments. They are also both capable of great acts of wrath and destruction.

#### Aphrodite

Aphrodite is Eros' Mother. While Eros is often shown to do unsavory tasks for her, especially after holding his lover Psyche against him, he loves his mother deeply. When Zeus was prepared to give him a punishment after his act of wrath and hiding Psyche, Aphrodite was quick to seduce Zeus in order to prevent Eros from suffering a punishment as severe as Prometheus. Eros feels guilty for his mother having to protect him like this and eventually tells him about Psyche. She was deeply hurt by Eros avoiding a lying to her during the time of his relationship but was willingly to go and clean out his things from the apartment he stayed at with Psyche. Despite her initial hatred towards her, she learned Psyche's side of the story and disguise her as a nymph named Ampelus to test Eros's love for her.

However, she now manipulates her son to commit some shady acts, but he is quick to right any wrongs this may lead to. They enjoy gossip about new relationships and breakups such as when he brings Persephone over and she discovers her feelings for Hades. He is shown to be a loving brother to hi younger siblings, watching over all of them while his parents are absent and also shows concern for his mother when she leaves to the mortal realm to find his Father, Ares, who had been in the realm under orders from Zeus for the last four months before Ares returns.

### **Siblings**

Known (younger) siblings as introduced to Persephone are Mania, Pragma, Philautia, Ludus, Philia, Agape, and Storge. We don't know yet if there are others.

Eros is the oldest of his siblings and is shown to love and care for all of them, especially when Ares and Aphrodite are absent. Like him and their mother, they are all Gods and Goddesses of Love. When Persephone stays over one night, his younger brother Storge assumed she was actually his girlfriend and wanted her to meet his pet hamster. Eros comes in, carrying his baby brother Mania, and tells him that he finished breakfast. While introducing Persephone to them, he affectionally calls them "little monsters." With help from his younger sister Agape￼, the two help Persephone create a Fatesbook account and he is later seen with Mania by the pool with Ampelus by his side.

### **Grandparents**

#### Zeus

Zeus is Eros's Grandfather through Ares. Not much is known about their relationship, but it would seem the two have a decent one. Many years ago, Zeus would blame Eros and Aphrodite for his numerous affairs. Years later, Eros would commit an act of wrath when he kept his human girlfriend Psyche on Olympus without a permit. Zeus was ready to punish his grandson and would have if Aphrodite had not stepped in and seduced him. Sometime after this, their relationship seemed to have return to a more playful one as Zeus mentions that it was Eros that told him about Persephone and Hades after the party. However, when Zeus issues a warrant for Persephone, Eros freely goes to see her and states that Zeus has no control over him and can't stop him from seeing her. Eros is present with his parents as Zeus starts the trial against Demeter and Persephone.

#### Hera

Hera is Eros's Grandmother through Ares. Not much is known about their relationship, but Eros states the two don't get along due to Hera only seeing him as his mother's wicked spawn. It's unclear if the two were ever close in his childhood and while Eros states Hera doesn't show much fondness over him, it's unclear how he feels about her. Over the course of the centuries, Zeus blamed Aphrodite and Eros for his affairs which led to the ban of Aphrodite and Eros' ability to control the sexual desires of anyone that isn’t a virgin by Hera's decree. Despite this, Eros was invited and present for his Aunt Hebe's birthday, showing Hera does at the very least view him as family. When Persephone goes missing, Artemins and Eros argue over who calls Hera and asks for help and Eros makes it clear Hera would more than likely ignore his plead the same way he would with Artemis.

### **Romantic**

#### Psyche

Psyche was considered the most beautiful mortal on earth. Upon hearing this, Aphrodite gave Eros the task to make her fall in love with the ugliest creature in the world. Upon seeing Psyche and realizing how her life was in the mortal realm, Eros takes pity on her and subsequently falls in love. To save her from being forced to marry an abusive older man, he illegally takes her to Olympus.

The two begin a loving relationship: he teaches her to read and write and treats her with kindness. In return, Psyche genuinely loves Eros because he treats her with respect and sees her as a person. However, because he keeps his identity hidden from her and does not let her out of the apartment, Psyche is swayed by her sisters that Eros is a monster and she should kill him for her freedom. Eros catches her before she can cause him harm, ultimately ruining their relationship. Distraught over the betrayal, and heartbroken for the first time, Eros goes to the mortal realm and takes his rage out on hundreds of mortals. Later, Eros admits that he still loves her and wants to confront his mother about her whereabouts.

He is oblivious to the fact that Aphrodite has disguised Psyche as the nymph "Ampelus," and interacts with her unaware of her true identity. The two grow closer as he starts training her and teaches her how he works, even bringing her along to the mortal realm and letting her do his job as practice. When his mother has them go to the Mortal Realm to complete his duties, he starts to question "Ampelus" as he realizes he knows very little about her. She opens up to him and the two kiss but she pulls, and both quickly apologize to each other. He leaves her alone when she asks for space but when Apollo arrives and threatens her, he arrives to save her. After Apollo was struck by an Arrow of Hate by Psyche and threaten her, the arrow tip had pierced her chest and soon revealed her true self. Eros, upon seeing her, lets Apollo go to go to her side and apologize for his past actions. The two kiss and officially reunited. The celebration ends quickly as the two chases after Apollo who is hunting down the flower nymph, Daphne.

### **Extended Family**

#### Persephone

Eros is one of Persephone's best friends and his future grand-aunt through her marriage to Hades. Although Eros was the one who got Persephone drunk and snuck her into Hades' car, he was doing so on the orders of Aphrodite and feels guilt about it. He later arrives at Artemis' house to apologize to Persephone and ends up telling both of them his story involving Psyche. He is able to quickly realize that Persephone has a crush on Hades, which he begins to playfully tease her about. After finding out she has almost no modern clothes, he insists on taking her shopping. The two quickly become close friends, and Persephone begins to rely on him when she is upset. Eros has been there for her many times, including when she was emotionally distraught over Hades and Minthe's official relationship status.

He is also the first-person Persephone talks about her encounter with Apollo. Eros is devastated for her and assures her that what happened was not her fault and that she did not consent. He comforts her afterward at his home and reluctantly agrees to not tell anyone on the condition Persephone see a therapist. In the following morning, he introduces her to his siblings and as they leave the house, he thanks her for making him realize he was ready to see Psyche after weeks of separation.

Eros has continually shown to care deeply for Persephone, later protecting her when she is arguing with Apollo. Persephone, likewise, easily seeks consolation from Eros and has shown that she is rather comfortable around him. When Persephone goes missing, Artemis first looks for her at Eros' place. Artemis, Eros, and Ampelus, hatch a plan to fool Demeter and find Persephone in a few days before there is suspicion over her disappearance. Despite their close friendship, when Hera ask what Persephone's major was, both he and Artemis were unable to answer. When Persephone is found, Eros is the first to visit her, and brings her food, books, and facemasks to entertain her. He assures her that while he should bring her in to Zeus, he will not do so and claims Zeus does not control him.

Sometime later, Persephone would text him about her kisses with Hades which leaves Eros squealing with happiness for his best friend. When Artemis confronts him about what he knows about Persephone and Apollo, Eros remains silent to keep his promise to her. Despite losing his new friendship with Artemis, he has no regrets as he doesn't want to lose Persephone's trust when many others do not trust him with his reputation of being Olympus's biggest gossipmonger.

Not long after, Persephone's trial for her act of wrath begins and he arrives with his parents.

#### Artemis

Unknown to Eros for some time, Artemis is Eros' aunt from Ares. Artemis and Eros' relationship started off a bit strained, as he is a God of Love, and she is a Goddess of Eternal Maidenhood. Artemis first stands against him when he arrives at her and Persephone's apartment in Episode 12, changing into her huntress form to scare him into leaving. However, she begrudgingly allows him entry after he presents apology donuts. When Eros apologizes and begins his story of Psyche, Artemis calls out Eros for all the things he did wrong such as kidnapping and lying to her for month while he argues he saved Psyche from a horrible marriage and life. They continue to argue before he breaks down crying and Persephone gets him to calm down.

Much to Artemis' anger, Eros breaks into the apartment by using the key under the mat so he could confront Persephone over her crush on Hades. The two would not meet again until Artemis breaks into Eros' home in search of Persephone when she runaway. The two work together and go to the Underworld to meet Hades who was unaware of her disappearance. Not wanting to betray Persephone's trust, he hints to Artemis that her roommate was always happy and needs more of her help.

When Artemis confronts Apollo about her phone call with Persephone, Eros leaves the two with Ampelus to avoid the confrontation. Artemis later confronts him about what he knows about Persephone and Apollo, but he remains quiet. Artemis is furious and hurt by him keeping information to himself and states that the two of them being friends was a mistake. Eros is hurt by Artemis' words but does not cave in and stays quiet. The two would be seen at Persephone's trial but Eros is sitting by his parent and Artemis with Hestia and Athena.

#### **Apollo**

Unknown to Eros for some time, Apollo is Eros' uncle from Ares. Apollo and Eros have a hostile relationship that originally started as a rivalry over their archery abilities. Eros’s hatred for Apollo worsens after he learns that Apollo raped his best friend Persephone. While Eros has promised Persephone not to reveal what Apollo has done, he has trouble controlling his rage whenever he is around him. When he sees Apollo harassing Persephone, he immediately starts shooting arrows at Apollo without warning and threatens to ruin any chance of him finding love. Apollo seems more amused than afraid of Eros, and only smiles at Eros’s threats.

When Apollo arrives unannounced to the archery range and attempts to flirt with Ampelus, Eros is immediately protective of her. When Artemis arrives to interrupt, Eros leaves the siblings alone. However, soon after this, Eros loses his growing friendship with Artemis when he wouldn't tell her what secret he was keeping about Persephone's rape by Apollo. While out with Ampelus, she is able to piece together what Apollo did and understand why Eros holds such hatred towards Apollo. When Ampelus accidentally shots Apollo, he threatens her but is stopped by Eros who fires arrows. The battle soon ends when Eros discovers Ampelus is actually his mortal lover Psyche. He is distracted and goes to her, leaving Apollo to chase after Daphne. As Eros and Psyche go after Apollo, he is shot with an arrow by Apollo and crash lands onto the ground.

## Powers and Abilities

* Like his mother, Eros has the ability to control the sexual desires of anyone that isn’t a virgin. He was banned from using this ability on Gods by Hera's decree.
* Like his mother, he can sense love-related feelings from others. This includes being able to sense if someone has lost their virginity, if someone has a crush, or if someone is in love. When initiating physical contact with an individual, he is able to view and sense their feelings during previous sexual encounters.
* Eros is able to produce large, feathered wings from his back, which he uses to fly. He can retract his wings at will.
* Eros can also transform into a horrifying monster.
* He is skilled with a bow and arrow, felling several hundred mortals at one time and later striking the side of Apollo's face from afar as a warning shot.
* He is able to walk among mortals' unseen.
* He is able to put a mortal into a trance and levitate them, as seen with Psyche.

## Gallery

Eros heartbroken.Eros and Psyche protecting Persephone.Concept art of Eros.Unused frame from episode 66.Color sketch of Eros, Aphrodite, and Ares.Eros telling Artemis he doesn't have to help her.Eros and Artemis during Episode 119Eros during his visit to Persephone in Episode 130.Eros, Apollo, and Artemis.
## Trivia

* Besides being the Greek god, Eros (ἔρως), translated as "love" and "desire", is one of the ancient Greek words for love (eros, storge, agape and philia, only xenia is not shown in the series) and a primary type of love in the Color wheel theory of love. The complete opposite is called logos (λόγος) meaning "rationality".
* While it seems that Zeus and Eros have a good relationship, despite Zeus threatening to punish Eros for his act of wrath, Eros and Hera appear to have a bad to no relationship whatsoever as Eros states his grandmother refers to him as "Aphrodite's wicked spawn."
* Eros mentions to Persephone in Episode 66 that he has a therapist.
* Zeus claims that Eros killed over 300 humans during his act of wrath.