Cupid and Eros
So, it turns out that Cupid is actually more than a putto-faced boy with a bow.
In classical Roman mythology, Cupid (taken from the Latin Cupido, meaning 'desire') is the god of desire, erotic love, attraction and affection. His Greek counterpart Eros fulfills much the same role. It is said that a person shot with Cupid's arrow would experience uncontrollable desire. In the story Cupid and Psyche, Cupid was shot with his own arrow, experiencing love.
Although Cupid was originally depicted as a slender winged youth, during the Hellenistic period he started being portrayed with the chubby form. It was also this time that bows and arrows became part of his arsenal. Cupid is portrayed in art as being many, and is then called the Amores.
I'll admit, I've never actually read any book with Cupid as a character, but there are a few out there - both in the typical matchmaker role or as the love interest. That all being said, it's a sign of the shows I watch that, when I start imagining cupid (and get past the aforementioned babe in diapers) this is what I picture.
(Honestly, between Xena and Percy Jackson, my thoughts of Greek/Roman deities are forever influenced. Probably in a bad way.)
So, have you read any books that have Cupid or Eros in them? What did you think of it? If not, interested in any?
