Grecy i Eros
The Greeks and Eros

Summary/Abstract: In the course of a symposium described by Plato in one of his most famous dialogues, speakers gathered at the residence of Agathon embarked upon the topic of eros and pondered the behaviour of people inspired by love as well as the nature of love stronger than human will and intellect. The Greeks regarded Eros predominantly as a deity who emerged from Chaos, i.e. a primeval force that rendered further cosmogony possible. At the same time, the use of the concept of eros as a common noun points to a conviction that it is an invincible and irresistible force, which overcomes man regardless of his will. The state of being in love is tantamount to mania erotike, which Plato described in Phaedrus. Just like other varieties of mania it too is one of the greatest gifts bestowed by the gods. This particular gift comes from Eros and Aphrodite, but it can turn out to be menacing and outright dangerous. A person succumbing to mania erotike must be aware of the impact of eros and subject his behaviour to certain norms and principles, thus making proper use of this gift received from the gods. Such use entails, first and foremost, directing his passion towards a person worthy of it, and then seeking not so much sensual fulfilment as spiritual harmony with the beloved. The speakers in Plato’s dialogue discuss almost exclusively a love of boys, but in later Greek thought (Aristotle, Plutarch) all love is at stake, regardless of biological gender. Aristotle claimed that bodily contacts always result in emotions (philia). Sensuality is, therefore, subjected to the emotional sphere and is to be the foundation of a relation between two individuals based on reciprocity. The god Eros might regard unrequited love to be a misdemeanour committed against him and harshly punish the guilty party. The object of the religious cult in Olympia, Elis, and Athens was not only Eros, but also Anteros (“love returned”). Erotic relations between mortals remained in accordance with the will of Aphrodite, Eros, and Anteros, whose protection they enjoyed.

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