Bows and arrows in the myths of ancient and medieval times depict lessons in life that still have meaning. Most tell a story of human emotions such as love, greed, envy or fear. Some are based loosely on historical figures, but most tales are folklore that spin a myth to pass along one of life's lessons.
Cupid
Cupid, the Roman god of love, is probably the most famous of all the mythical bow-and-arrow wielders. He is the son of Venus, the goddess of love. He is usually portrayed as a child with wings and carrying a bow and arrow. In Greek mythology he is known as Eros. When Cupid pierces someone's heart with an arrow, it causes that person to fall deeply in love. Originally, Cupid was a handsome young god who fell in love with a princess.
William Tell
William Tell is another common bow-and-arrow carrier of myth. He is the hero of a Swiss folk tale who showed his disrespect to a new emperor by not bowing to the emperor's hat, which had been placed in the town's center. As punishment, Tell was sentenced to use a bow and arrow to shoot an apple off the top of his son's head. He was successful, but he also had an extra arrow ready with which to kill the emperor if he had missed and killed his son. This infuriated the emperor, who ordered Tell to prison. Tell escaped, eventually killing the emperor.
Robin Hood
Robin Hood is commonly depicted holding a bow and arrows. His story dates to pagan cultures in the British Isles. Robin Hood, originally called "Man of the Wood," lived in the mythical Sherwood Forrest in the land of Nottingham. The myth says he stole from the rich and gave the money to the poor. A group of men called "The Band of Merry Men" lived with him in the forest, assisting him in his endeavors. He fell in love with Maid Marian, who joined Robin Hood and his men in their work and was the only woman who lived among them in the woods.
Apollo
Apollo is the Greek god of music, healing, light, truth and the god of archery. The myth says that he could shoot an arrow very far. When Apollo set out to look for land on which to build his house, he came across a serpent called Python. The people of the land feared this serpent because it had killed people and livestock. Apollo took out his silver bow and arrow and killed the serpent. He built his house on the spot where he had slain the serpent.
Eros and Apollo
Another myth involves both Eros (the Greek version of Cupid) and Apollo. The myth centers on Apollo's love for Daphne, a love she did not return. At one point, Apollo was belittling Eros' small golden arrows, calling them worthless. Apollo claimed that his strong iron arrows were much better than Eros' arrows. In revenge Eros shot Daphne in the heart with one of Apollo's iron arrows. This iron arrow turned Daphne's heart against love. Apollo, who loved her, finally realized that the golden arrows Eros possessed were stronger because they could make Daphne love while his own could not.
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