Greek god of requited or returned love (counter-love) and the avenger of slighted love, counted among the children of Ares and Aphrodite (Cicero names him son of Mars and Venus). Given as a playmate to his lonely brother Eros so that love might be answered if it is to prosper (Plato, Phaedrus). At Athens an altar of Anteros stood, dedicated by resident aliens after the death of Timagoras, whom the Athenian Meles had spurned (Pausanias 1.30.1).