Ares: The God of War
In Greek mythology, Ares was the formidable and often feared god of war, embodying the brutal and chaotic aspects of battle. Unlike his sister Athena, who represented strategic warfare and wisdom, Ares reveled in the bloodshed and violence of combat. His presence on the battlefield was both awe-inspiring and terrifying, as he was said to roar like a thousand men and wield a spear that could strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest warriors.
Powers and Symbols
Ares possessed immense strength and near invulnerability, making him a nearly unstoppable force in battle. He was often depicted wearing gleaming armor, carrying a shield, and brandishing his deadly spear. His sacred animals included the vulture and the dog—creatures associated with war and death. The Areopagus, or "Hill of Ares" in Athens, was named after him and served as a site for trials, reflecting his dual role as both a destroyer and an enforcer of justice.
Relationships and Myths
Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera, though his parents often disapproved of his violent nature. Despite this, he played a significant role in many myths, particularly in the Trojan War, where he fought on the side of the Trojans—only to be wounded by the Greek hero Diomedes, with Athena's help. Ares was also known for his tumultuous love affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Their union produced several children, including Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Terror), who often accompanied him into battle.
One famous myth involves Ares being trapped in a bronze jar by the Aloadae giants, Otus and Ephialtes, until he was rescued by Hermes. This story highlights his vulnerability despite his fearsome reputation.
Significance in Greek Culture
While Ares was not as widely worshipped as other Olympian gods, his influence was undeniable. The Spartans, renowned for their warrior culture, held him in high regard, offering sacrifices before battles to gain his favor. However, many Greeks viewed him with ambivalence, as his love for destruction often brought suffering rather than glory. In Roman mythology, he was equated with Mars, who was far more revered as a protector and father of Rome.
Ares remains a compelling figure in mythology, representing the untamed fury of war—a reminder of both its terrifying power and its inevitable consequences.
Alternative Names for Ares
God Name: Mars (Roman)
The Roman equivalent of Ares, Mars was originally an agricultural god before becoming associated with war. Unlike Ares, Mars was highly revered in Roman culture and was considered a father figure to the Roman people.
God Name: Enyalius (Greek)
An epithet or alternative name for Ares in Greek mythology, often used to denote his warlike nature. Enyalius was sometimes considered a separate deity but was later syncretized with Ares.
God Name: Areios (Greek)
An epithet meaning 'warlike' or 'of Ares,' used to describe the god in his martial aspect. It emphasizes his connection to battle and combat.
Tales about Ares
Ares and the Healing of Aceso
After a particularly brutal skirmish near the foothills of Mount Olympus, Ares found himself gravely wounded, his divine ichor spilling onto the earth. Despite his love for battle, even the god of war recognized when his strength waned. He called upon Aceso, the goddess of the healing process, whose gentle touch could mend the deepest of wounds.
Aceso arrived, her presence a calm amid the chaos of the battlefield. She tended to Ares with herbs and incantations, her hands glowing with a soft, restorative light. As she worked, Ares, usually consumed by rage, felt an unfamiliar sense of peace. "Why do you heal those who revel in destruction?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Aceso smiled gently. "Healing is not a judgment, Lord Ares, but a balance. Without wounds, there is no need for my art; without war, there is no drive for peace. We are two sides of the same coin."
For the first time, Ares understood that his domain of conflict and her domain of recovery were intertwined—a cycle as eternal as the gods themselves.
Ares and the Rage of Lyssa
The Unleashing of Madness
During the Trojan War, Ares sought to tip the scales in favor of the Trojans, whom he favored. He knew that sheer force alone might not suffice, so he summoned Lyssa, the spirit of mad rage and frenzy. "Infuse the Greek warriors with uncontrollable fury," he commanded, his eyes blazing with anticipation.
Lyssa, whose very essence was chaos, descended upon the battlefield like a storm. She whispered into the minds of the soldiers, twisting their courage into blind, savage fury. Friends turned on friends, and the orderly ranks of the Greeks dissolved into a maelstrom of violence.
Ares watched, exhilarated, as the chaos unfolded. But soon, even he grew uneasy. The madness knew no bounds—it threatened to consume Trojans and Greeks alike. "Enough!" he roared, realizing he had unleashed something beyond even his control.
Lyssa merely laughed, a sound like shattering glass. "You called for rage, Lord Ares. Do not complain when it answers too well."
In that moment, Ares learned that some forces, once unleashed, cannot be easily recalled—a lesson in the double-edged nature of his own domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ares in Greek mythology?
Ares is the Greek god of war, known for his violent and aggressive nature. He is one of the twelve Olympian gods and is often depicted with weapons like a spear or shield.
Why is Ares important in Greek mythology?
Ares represents the brutal and chaotic aspects of war, contrasting with Athena, who symbolizes strategy and wisdom in battle. His importance lies in showing the Greeks' dual perspective on waru2014both its glory and its destruction.
What are some myths involving Ares?
One famous myth is Ares' affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which led to humiliation when they were caught by her husband, Hephaestus. Another is his role in the Trojan War, where he fought alongside the Trojans but was often outsmarted by Athena.
How does Ares compare to the Roman god Mars?
While both Ares and Mars are gods of war, Mars was more revered in Roman culture as a symbol of military power and agricultural protection, whereas Ares was often viewed negatively by the Greeks for his bloodthirsty nature.
What can we learn from Ares in modern times?
Ares teaches us about the consequences of unchecked aggression and the importance of balancing strength with wisdom. His myths remind us that war and conflict have complex moral and emotional dimensions.
