LOVE GODS: 12 Most Famous from World Religions

#1 of Famous Love Gods: APHRODITE of Greek Religion

Perhaps the most iconic love goddess, Aphrodite hails from the ancient Greek religion. She is the goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation. Born from the sea foam near Cyprus, her emergence is one of the most poetic stories in Greek lore.

Aphrodite’s influence extends beyond romantic love to include physical desire and the aesthetic appreciation of beauty. Her relationships with gods and mortals alike, including her tumultuous marriage to Hephaestus and her passionate affair with Ares, underscore the complexity of love.

This goddess often appears with symbols such as doves, roses and mirrors. Temples dedicated to her, such as those in Cyprus and Corinth, were centers of worship where love and fertility rituals were performed.

#2 of Famous Love Gods: VENUS of Roman Religion

The Roman counterpart of Aphrodite, Venus is similarly associated with love, beauty and fertility. However, Venus also embodies maternal care, civic harmony and victory. The Romans revered her as an ancestor of their people through her son Aeneas, a Trojan hero who fled to Italy after the fall of Troy.

Venus played a central role in Roman religion and culture. Julius Caesar even claimed descent from this goddess. Artistic depictions, such as the famous Birth of Venus by Botticelli, immortalize her beauty and fame.

#3 of Famous Love Gods: KAMA of Hinduism

In Hinduism, Kama is the god of love, desire and pleasure. Represented as a youthful, handsome deity, Kama carries a bow made of sugarcane and arrows tipped with flowers, symbolizing the sweetness and delicate power of love.

Kama’s story intertwines with the cosmic narrative of Hinduism. In one tale, Kama attempts to awaken Shiva from his ascetic meditation to help restore balance in the universe. When Shiva incinerates Kama with his third eye, the god survives as Ananga, “the bodiless one,” signifying love’s ethereal and formless nature.

Kama’s influence is evident in the Kama Sutra, an ancient treatise on love and relationships.

#4. FREYJA of Norse Religion

Freyja – the Norse goddess of love, beauty, fertility and war – is one of the most prominent figures in the old Norse religion. She is a member of the Vanir, a group of deities associated with nature and prosperity. Freyja is also linked to the afterlife, as she receives half of those slain in battle in her hall, Sessrúmnir.

Freyja’s necklace, Brísingamen, is a symbol of her beauty and sensuality. She is also associated with cats, which pull her chariot, and boars, symbols of fertility. Her worship in Viking-age Scandinavia was widespread, and she remains a powerful figure in modern interpretations of Norse traditions.

#5 of Famous Love Gods: EROS of Greek Religion

Eros, the Greek god of desire and erotic love, is one of the oldest gods in the Greek pantheon. In early stories, he is a primordial deity, emerging from chaos on his own. He embodied the creative and destructive power of love. Later traditions depict Eros as a mischievous winged youth, the son of Aphrodite.

With his bow and arrows, Eros incites love and desire in gods and mortals alike. His Roman equivalent, Cupid, shares similar traits. The story of Eros and Psyche, where love triumphs over obstacles and misunderstandings, remains one of the most celebrated tales in classical mythology.

#6 of Famous Love Gods: CUPID of Roman Religion

Cupid, the Roman god of love, is synonymous with playful mischief and desire. Often depicted as a winged cherub, he wields a bow and arrows that inspire love and passion in gods and mortals alike.

In one famous story, Cupid falls in love with the mortal Psyche, and thus defied his mother, Venus. This story highlights love’s challenges and ultimate redemption. Cupid remains a popular figure in art and literature, where he symbolizes the whimsical and unpredictable nature of romance.

#7 of Famous Love Gods: OSHUN of Yoruba Religion

In the Yoruba religion of Nigeria, Oshun is the goddess of love, fertility and freshwaters. Revered for her beauty, charm and generosity, she is a central figure in Ifá divination. Oshun is also associated with wealth, prosperity and healing.

Her sacred river in Nigeria is a site of pilgrimage, where devotees perform rituals and offerings in her honor. Oshun is often portrayed as a compassionate yet powerful deity who uses her wit and beauty to achieve her goals. Her influence extends to the African diaspora, particularly in Santería and Candomblé.

#8. HATHOR of Egypt

Hathor, one of the most beloved deities in ancient Egypt, is the goddess of love, beauty, music and motherhood. She often appears as a cow or a woman with cow horns and a solar disk, symbolizing her nurturing and life-giving qualities.

Hathor was worshiped as a protector of women and a guide for the dead in the afterlife. Her temples, such as the one at Dendera, were centers of music and dance. As a goddess of joy and celebration, Hathor’s influence permeated both daily life and sacred ceremonies.

#9 of Famous Love Gods: RATI of Hinduism

Rati – the goddess of love, passion and carnal pleasure – is Kama’s consort in Hinduism. Her name means “enjoyment” or “delight,” and she often appears as a symbol of sensuous beauty.

Rati plays a vital role in the myth of Kama’s resurrection, where her devotion to her husband moves Shiva to restore him. Together, Kama and Rati represent the union of desire and fulfillment, emphasizing the sacredness of love and intimacy in Hindu culture.

#10 of Famous Love Gods: XOCHIQUETZAL of Aztec Religion

In the Aztec religion, Xochiquetzal is the goddess of love, fertility and beauty. Her name translates to “Precious Flower,” and she often appears adorned with vibrant flowers and butterflies.

Xochiquetzal presides over childbirth, as well as crafts and artistic expression. She is associated with the sensual pleasures of life.

#11 of Famous Love Gods: LADA of Slavic Religion

Lada, the Slavic goddess of love, marriage and harmony, is a lesser-known but significant figure in the old Slavic religion. She represents the nurturing aspects of love and family, as well as the warmth and vitality of summer.

Lada is often associated with the harvest and fertility, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Though much of her stories have been lost, modern interpretations revive her as a symbol of love and balance.

#12. ISHTAR of Mesopotamia

Ishtar, also known as Inanna, is the Mesopotamian goddess of love, fertility and war. She embodies the duality of love’s nurturing and destructive power.

In the Epic of Gilgamesh, the hero’s rejection of Ishtar’s advances led to chaos and conflict. On the other hand, her descent into the underworld to retrieve her lover Tammuz highlights love’s sacrifice and renewal.

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Which of these love gods do you love the most?

Aphrodite

Cupid

Eros

Freyja

Hathor

Ishtar

Kama

Lada

Oshun

Rati

Venus

Xochiquetzal

Divine Desire

The gods and goddesses of love embody the vast spectrum of emotions, desires and connections that define human relationships. From the passionate and chaotic affairs of Aphrodite and Eros to the nurturing and harmonious influence of Oshun and Hathor, these deities remind us of the power and complexity of love. Their stories, rituals and symbols continue to inspire art, literature and spirituality, proving that the divine essence of love transcends time and culture.