Venus of Eryx, from her mountain throne, Saw Hades and…
““Venus of Eryx, from her mountain throne, Saw Hades and clasped her swift-winged son, and said: 'Cupid, my child, my warrior, my power, Take those sure shafts with which you conquer all, And shoot your speedy arrows to the heart Of the great god to whom the last lot fell When the three realms were drawn. Your mastery Subdues the gods of heaven and even Jove, Subdues the ocean's deities and him, Even him, who rules the ocean's deities. Why should Hell lag behind? Why not there too Extend your mother's empire and your own…? Then Cupid, guided by his mother, opened His quiver of all his thousand arrows Selected one, the sharpest and the surest, The arrow most obedient to the bow, And bent the pliant horn against his knee And shot the barbed shaft deep in Pluto's heart.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A mother urges her son, Cupid, to use his power to conquer even the highest gods, suggesting that divine authority can be challenged by love and desire.
In simple terms: A mother encourages her son to use love to challenge the gods.
Key Takeaway
Use love’s power to defy limits.
Themes
my
power
divine challenge
Mood
determined
inspirational
Type
mythological
motivational
When to use this quote
- Personal ambition
- creative projects
- overcoming obstacles
- challenging authority
- seeking influence
Key Concepts
Mythology
agency
destiny
Questions to Reflect On
- How can love motivate you to challenge authority?
- What limits are you willing to confront?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may obscure practical application for modern goals.