The Ancient Greeks didn’t just have one word to describe feelings of love and affection—they had different types elaborated in the 4 most seperate categories, namely Ludus, Agape, Eros and Phileo. Each of the four Greek words for love expresses specific emotions, their precise language allowing them to distinguish between love, love between friends and family, and love for humanity, among other types.
From tragic myths to Athenian philosophy, the Ancient Greeks offered a unique perspective on love and romance. Let’s take a look at different types of love in Greek Mythology.
Agape
Agape is a type of unconditional, selfless love that refers to a person’s love towards their children, parents, spouse, community, or even strangers. The word, Agape can also refers to be a form of Christian love, indicating the love of Jesus or God’s love towards his creation. This was a love that you extended to all people, whether family members or distant strangers. The word Agape is derived from the word “Charity.“
It is when we do not expect anything in return. It’s to love one completely and without any strings attached. The Greeks felt that only some people have the capacity to have Agape for the long term.
Eros
The Greek word Eros refers to sexual passion and lust. It may be more physical love as opposed to romantic. We may refer to this today as sexual desire. Eros may be felt towards any gender, in married relationships, as lovers, or as more casual partners.
Eros is also the name of the Greek God of love, whose Roman counterpart is Cupid. Sometimes depicted as an infant or a young man, Eros is the culprit behind many mythological love stories in Ancient Greece. The love god is also closely associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and passion, who is often identified as his mother. In fact, Eros was viewed as a dangerous, fiery, and irrational form of love that could take hold of you and possess you by many spiritual thinkers.
Phileo
The Greek term Phileo understands that physicality isn’t always a necessary part of love. Phileo refers to affectionate love between equals, often strong friendship or brotherly love. It is often interpreted as a more virtuous kind of love, separate from the love of sexual attraction.
Phileo was concerned about the deep comradely friendship that developed between brothers in arms who had fought side by side on the battlefield. It was about showing loyalty to your friends, sacrificing for them, as well as sharing your emotions with them.
Ludus
To the Greeks, Ludus was a type of playful love indicated by playful behavior and budding feelings. It was often used to describe the exciting “puppy love” of a new relationship or crush. A relationship built on ludus typically did not lead to a committed relationship.
While philia could be a matter of great seriousness, there was a type of love valued by the ancient Greeks, which was playful love. The stage where flirting and teasing are involved.