Bulfinch’s Mythology · Chapter
Venus and Adonis explained
Venus is accidentally wounded by Cupid's arrow and falls deeply in love with the mortal Adonis.
What happens
Venus is accidentally wounded by Cupid's arrow and falls deeply in love with the mortal Adonis. She abandons her heavenly haunts to follow him through the wilderness, warning him to avoid dangerous beasts like lions and boars. She recounts the story of Atalanta and Hippomenes as a cautionary tale, then departs in her swan-drawn chariot. Disregarding her advice, Adonis hunts a wild boar, is fatally gored, and dies. Venus returns, mourns him, and transforms his blood into the short-lived anemone flower, promising annual remembrance.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Transformation
Venus's love for Adonis leads to his death and her grief, culminating in the transformation of his blood into the anemone flower.
Mortality and Immortality
The mortal Adonis dies despite Venus's divine love and warnings, while Venus, an immortal goddess, creates an enduring floral memorial.
Characters to notice
- Venus
Accidentally wounded by Cupid's arrow, falls in love with Adonis, abandons heaven to follow him, warns him of dangerous beasts, and later transforms his blood into the anemone flower.
- Cupid
Venus plays with him and is wounded by one of his arrows, sparking her love for Adonis.
- Adonis
A mortal youth beloved by Venus; disregards her warning, hunts a wild boar, and is killed by it.
- Atalanta
Referenced in Venus's cautionary tale about ingratitude; she and Hippomenes were turned into lions.
Key passages
“Venus, playing one day with her boy Cupid, wounded her bosom with one of his arrows.”
While playing with Cupid, Venus accidentally pricked her chest with one of his arrows.
Describes the accidental wound that initiates Venus's love for Adonis.
“She no longer took any interest in her favorite resorts—Paphos, and Cnidos, and Amathos, rich in metals. She absented herself even from heaven, for Adonis was dearer to her than heaven.”
Venus abandoned her beloved sanctuaries and even heaven itself because Adonis meant more to her than all.
Highlights Venus's total devotion to Adonis.
“Your blood shall be changed into a flower; that consolation none can envy me.”
I will transform your blood into a flower, a comfort that no one can begrudge me.
Venus vows to create a floral memorial for Adonis.