Ares, in the realm of Greek mythology, is recognized as the god of war, embodying the essence of battle and its brutal realities. Unlike Mars, his Roman equivalent, Ares did not enjoy widespread reverence among the Greeks. He was seen as a less favorable figure, representing the darker aspects of conflict and bloodshed. According to Homer, Ares was the offspring of Zeus, the supreme deity, and his consort Hera, establishing him firmly among the Olympian gods. However, even his divine family displayed a lack of affection for him, as noted in various ancient texts.
In the heat of warfare, Ares was often accompanied by his sister Eris, who personified strife, along with his sons—Phobos and Deimos, who represented panic and rout, respectively. Two additional lesser deities closely associated with Ares were Enyalius, who is nearly indistinguishable from Ares himself, and Enyo, a female war goddess.
Ares was primarily worshipped in northern regions of Greece, where his cult, while lacking the deep social and moral connotations typical of other major deities, displayed some unique local traditions. For instance, in ancient Sparta, there are records of human sacrifices conducted in Ares’ name, utilizing prisoners of war as offerings. His worship involved a peculiar nocturnal sacrifice of dogs, possibly hinting at a connection with the underworld aspect of deity worship. At Geronthrae in Laconia, female presence was prohibited during his festival in the sacred grove, although Tegea celebrated him with a special women’s sacrifice, known as Gynaikothoinas, or “Entertainer of Women.” Additionally, Ares had a temple situated at the base of the Areopagus hill in Athens, known as “Ares’ Hill.”
The mythological narrative of Ares is relatively limited. He was closely associated with Aphrodite, who emerged as a war goddess in certain regions like Sparta. Over time, Aphrodite was occasionally depicted as Ares’ wife, with whom he had several children including Harmonia, Deimos, Phobos, and—as chronicled by the poet Simonides during the 6th century BCE—Eros, the god of love. Through Aglauros, the daughter of Cecrops, he also fathered Alcippe. In addition, Ares was the progenitor of notable adversaries of Heracles, including Cycnus, Lycaon, and Diomedes of Thrace. Artistic representations often depict Ares as a quintessential warrior, armored and bold. The Parthenon frieze features a depiction of Ares among other Olympians, and he is also present on the elaborately designed frieze of the altar in Pergamum.
