The Story of Anteros
Anteros was the god of returned love and a son of Ares and Aphrodite. He was a brother of Eros, the better known god of love. While Eros made people fall in love, Anteros made sure that love was answered, and he punished those who scorned it.
One story explains why he was born. Aphrodite worried because Eros stayed a small child and never seemed to grow, so she asked the goddess Themis for advice. Themis told her that love cannot thrive without love in return, so Aphrodite gave Eros a brother, Anteros, and Eros grew whenever his brother was near. The traveler Pausanias saw a carving in the gymnasium at Elis showing the two brothers wrestling over a palm branch.
In Athens, Anteros had an altar of his own. It was said to recall a young man named Meles, who scorned the love of a foreigner called Timagoras and told him to leap from the Acropolis, then leapt after him in grief when he obeyed. The Athenians honored Anteros as the avenger of slighted love, a warning that love freely offered should never be treated with cruelty.
Famous Myths About Anteros
A Brother for Eros
In one story, Aphrodite worried because her son Eros stayed a small child. Themis told her that love cannot thrive without love in return, so Aphrodite gave birth to Anteros, and Eros grew whenever his brother was near.
The Altar in Athens
An Athenian named Meles scorned the love of a foreigner, Timagoras, and told him to jump from the Acropolis to prove his devotion. Timagoras jumped, and the remorseful Meles leapt after him, so the people of Athens set up an altar to Anteros, the avenger of slighted love.
Anteros's Family Tree
Parents of Anteros
Partners of Anteros
Children of Anteros
Frequently Asked Questions About Anteros
Who is Anteros in Greek mythology?
Anteros is the god of returned love, who punished those who scorned the love of others.
Who are Anteros's parents?
Anteros is a son of Ares and Aphrodite, and a brother of Eros.
Why was Anteros born?
According to one story, Eros stayed a small child and would not grow until Aphrodite gave him a brother, Anteros, so that love could be returned.
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