Eros and Anteros: A Psychological Tale of Mutual Connection and the Art of Love
Greek mythology- a timeless guide
Greek mythology: a lasting legacy
Though there weren't many children's books in our house when I was growing up, I listened to our storyteller's vinyl records for hours on end.
I was transported by those stories and was able to see life beyond what I experienced. I've come to think of stories as invaluable guides as they provide insight into various lives and a wealth of knowledge. The only book about the warrior Hiawatha that I still remember reading as a child is "The Song of Hiawatha" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which combine spirituality, mythology, and folklore from the Native American people. It is comparable to the Greek telling of the Olympus legends in some ways. I was always curious about death and this book gave me a unique perspective on it by illustrating it as a transcendental spiritual stage with its amazing animations and words that I still find myself thinking about.
It was wonderful to me, as so many books were and still are; all of them fed my curiosity and changed the way I viewed life.
Greek mythology is a timeless guide that continues to make sense of life today, not just a collection of archaic tales, in my opinion. These myths were used by the ancient Greeks to gain insight into topics such as love, ambition, and the conflict between chaos and order in human nature.
The tale of Icarus, who flew too near to the sun, serves as an example of caution about pursuing goals too rapidly. Hercules shows us the importance of resilience in the face of difficulty. Love stories, such as that of Eros and Anteros, teach us the importance of maintaining a delicate balance in relationships.
These myths are like wise old friends offering counsel, not just interesting tales. They help us understand and behave morally in our own challenges by illuminating universal truths and ethical lessons that transcend the world of ancient Greece.
Eros and Anteros/Desire and Reciprocal Love are the two sides of love.
Everyone on Olympus welcomed the happy newborn, Eros. He acted slightly difficult sometimes, like all babies do, but that was acceptable because he was still a baby. But as time passed, Aphrodite, his mother, began to worry. Eros was causing chaos and heartbreak with his arrows, and he was not maturing. His father, the war god Ares, was a little of a supporter; he took great pride in Eros' appearance as a healthy, cute baby.
Aphrodite, frustrated by Eros's lack of growth progress, turned to Themis, one of the twelve wise Titans, Themis offered a solutions: Eros required a younger brother to teach him accountability. As a result, Anteros was born after Aphrodite begged Ares for another son. Eros grew up with the help of his younger brother, as Themis had predicted. With increasing skill, he shot two people who were supposed to be lovers.
Unlike his older brother, Anteros seemed calm and sensible. He became the god of reciprocated love, possessing a bow and arrow and wings resembling butterflies.
Anteros was more concerned with ensuring that love was returned than Eros was with passionate love.
He even imposing out punishment to people who didn't value love.
According to my interpretation of the tale, Eros and Anteros are complementary to one another's traits and serve as an illustration of how balance is manifested in the universe.
This story provides the ideal psychological comparison between the love needed to achieve closeness and long-lasting relationships that require reciprocated love in order to grow.
From a sexuality perspective, this short story teaches us that safety is a vital component of expressing our sexuality—we must be genuine.
We cannot grow in a relationship if we are not similarly desired, seen, and loved in return. We need relationships as much as we need a whole community to raise a happy child.
While it is possible to be happy on your own (Hyperindependence may indicate a tendency to suppress feelings.) like Eros and Anteros, we grow together more effectively and fulfill our potential more easily when we're surrounded by the right friends and partners.
This is a sign to take into account when making the decision to simplify our social lives or start new relationships. It makes us consider if we are expressing our needs and desires clearly enough. If we are, there ought to be a response or an echo that shows that we are working together.
It becomes essential to evaluate the symmetry in our relationships in order to establish happy and meaningful relationships.
The tale of these Greek gods teaches to us an important lesson: creating a balance between mutual love and passionate love.
While Anteros emphasizes the value of reciprocated love, Eros is the embodiment of intense passion. With any luck, this short story will ignite a tiny spark inside of you that will guide you to your rightful place.<3
I'll sum up by saying that it's unrealistic to expect someone else to be happy with you if you're not happy with yourself. As a result, the way to happiness with other people is a reflection of the happiness you find within.
You always have a choice; you can always seek guidance, and you can always change your life.
Book a free session here and meet up with me.
Resources:
Robert J Sternberg: Triangular theory of love
This Jungian Life Podcast: Unrequited love: Can Eros be revived?