Cupid is generally considered to be neither a fairy nor an angel, but rather a deity associated with love and desire in classical mythology.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Not a Fairy: Fairies are typically associated with nature, magic, and folklore. While Cupid possesses a magical element in his ability to incite love, his origins and role are distinct from those of fairies.
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Not Typically Considered an Angel: Angels are generally associated with monotheistic religions and are considered messengers or servants of God. While some depictions of Cupid resemble cherubs (which are a type of angel), Cupid's origins are rooted in Greek and Roman mythology, pre-dating the concept of angels in the Abrahamic religions. Renaissance art often depicts cupids as putti, childlike figures referencing Aphrodite and romantic love, contributing to some conflation with angelic imagery.
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A God of Love: Cupid is derived from the Roman god of love, known as Cupido. He is often depicted as the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. His Greek counterpart is Eros. In mythology, Cupid uses his arrows to make people fall in love.
In summary, Cupid's identity is firmly established in classical mythology as a god, separate from both fairies and angels.
