Erotes

[7]: 45 Stories of the Erotes' mischief or pranks were a popular theme in Hellenistic culture, particularly in the 2nd century BCE.

[5]: 133  The earliest known sculptured friezes depicting a group of Erotes and winged maidens driving chariots pulled by goats, were created to decorate theatres in ancient Greece in the 2nd century BCE.

[10]: 126  Due to their role in the classical mythological pantheon, the Erotes' representation is sometimes purely symbolic (indicating some form of love) or they may be portrayed as individual characters.

[11] In the cult of Aphrodite in Anatolia, iconographic images of the goddess with three Erotes symbolized the three realms over which she had dominion: the Earth, sky, and water.

In addition, a number of named gods have been regarded as Erotes, sometimes being assigned particular associations with aspects of love.

[citation needed] Eros was the original, primordial god of love and intercourse; he was also worshiped as a fertility deity.

Eros was associated with athleticism, with statues erected in gymnasia,[5]: 132  and "was often regarded as the protector of homosexual love between men.

Born a remarkably handsome boy but after the water nymph Salmacis fell in love with him and she prayed to be united forever, their two forms merged into one.

[18] Sometime counted among the Erotes or at least among Aphrodite's retinue, Phthonus was the personification of jealousy and envy,[19] most prominently in matters of romance.