In Greek mythology, Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and metalworking. Despite this, Aphrodite was frequently unfaithful to him and had many lovers; in the Odyssey, she is caught in the act of adultery with Ares, the god of war. In the First Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, she seduces the mortal shepherd Anchises. Aphrodite was also the surrogate mother and lover of the mortal shepherd Adonis, who was killed by a wild boar.

Afrodyta poślubiła Hefajstosa, jednego z najbrzydszych bogów. Miało to zapobiec waśniom między rywalizującymi o nią bogami. Nie była jednak wierną żoną i zdradzała Hefajstosa z np. Aresem.