Ares, the formidable Greek deity associated with warfare, occupies a prominent place among the twelve Olympian gods of Mount Olympus. Revered as the god of battle, Ares embodies the fervor and violence that accompany conflict. He is frequently illustrated as a powerful and aggressive warrior, brandishing weapons such as spears and swords, representing the tumultuous nature of war.
Unlike other deities like Athena or Zeus, who embody wisdom and strategic prowess, Ares epitomizes destruction and chaos, often feared and viewed with disdain by both gods and mortals alike. His existence in Greek mythology serves as a testament to the conflicting feelings the ancient Greeks harbored toward war—both reverence and dread.
Who is Ares?
Ares is one of the principal gods in ancient Greek lore, the offspring of Zeus and Hera, or, according to some stories, he was born solely from Hera through mystical means. Few deities can rival his vigor and fervency. Ares is known to have fathered numerous children with mortals, yet his heart remains with his eternal lover, Aphrodite, the goddess representing love and beauty.
Often dubbed the god of war and bravery, Ares shares a parallel title with his sister Athena, who is seen as the goddess of warfare and intellect. While Ares manifests the chaos accompanying battle, Athena’s demeanor represents strategy and wisdom, guiding the conflict with her tactical insights.
Ares is widely perceived as one of the most reviled gods, whose presence humans detect in the approaching storms of battle. Although he remains under the authority of Zeus, Ares is famed for his tempestuous spirit.
Ares’ Appearance
Art and mythology often portray Ares clad in golden helmets and bronze armor, emphasizing his martial build. Depending on the artistic interpretation, he can be depicted as a mature warrior with a beard or a youthful, hairless figure armored with a spear and helm. Ares is frequently illustrated driving a chariot drawn by four horses and accompanied by dogs or vultures. His sons, Deimos (fear) and Phobos (terror), often accompany him in the iconography.
Greek Myths Featuring Ares
The myths of ancient Greece include several noteworthy tales depicting Ares’ interactions with his fellow Olympian gods:
Ares and Aphrodite
Hephaestus, recognized as the god of fire and craftsmanship, was born to Hera, who, repulsed by his deformities, cast him away from Olympus. Though eventually reinstated, he was ill-suited for the enchanting Aphrodite. Zeus arranged their union despite the goddess’s lack of interest, especially after Hephaestus ensnared his mother in a web no one could untangle.
This marriage led to an affair between Ares and Aphrodite, conducted in secrecy. Their liaison, however, was unveiled by Helios, the sun god, who reported their indiscretion to Hephaestus.
In retaliation, Hephaestus devised a plan to ensnare the lovers, fabricating an invisible net that captured them in a compromising position. Although the other gods came to see the spectacle, the goddesses refrained out of respect. Eventually, Hephaestus agreed to release them, but the affair left Ares in shame, retreating to Thrace while Aphrodite sought solace with her worshipers.
Ares and Adonis
Adonis, beloved by Aphrodite, was raised by her until he reached maturity. Aware of her profound love for him, Aphrodite left Olympus to dwell with him. Ares, consumed by jealousy, ultimately sent a monstrous boar to slay Adonis, prompting Aphrodite to rush to his side as he lay dying.
Ares and Heracles
One notable episode in Greek mythology involves Ares’s confrontation with Heracles (Hercules). When refugees on their way to Delphi were harassed by Ares’ son Cycnus, Heracles, alongside his companion Iolaus, fought the brutal offspring. Infuriated at the assault on his son, Ares intervened but was thwarted when Athena aided Heracles, enabling him to ultimately triumph over Cycnus.
This victory was a bitter pill for Ares, who felt pride hurt after being unable to vanquish a mortal thanks to Athena’s intervention. Zeus ultimately intervened, putting an end to their quarrel, forcing Ares to retreat in defeat.
Ares at the Trojan War
Involved in one of the great epic sagas of Greek mythology, the Trojan War, Ares initially sided with the Greeks. However, as the saga unfolded, he changed allegiances, influencing the Trojans during the conflict, much to the chagrin of Athena, who advocated for the Greeks.
Amid the chaos, Athena prompted the Greek hero Diomedes to confront Ares. Utilizing her divine power to make herself invisible, Athena guided Diomedes to injure Ares with a well-aimed strike, leading to Ares fleeing to Olympus in distress to complain to Zeus.
Ares and His Daughter Alcippe
As a father, Ares was protective of his children. Upon discovering that Halirrhothius, a son of Poseidon, had assaulted his daughter Alcippe, Ares avenged her by slaying the perpetrator. Though challenged by the other gods, who disapproved of this act of vengeance, Ares was acquitted of any wrongdoing, leading to the naming of a hill in Athens after him renowned for its significance in legal matters.
The Parallels Between Ares and Mars
As Greek civilization transitioned during the Hellenistic Period, its deities became intertwined with those of Rome. Consequently, Ares became identified with the Roman god Mars, who also represented warfare but assumed a distinct role within the Roman pantheon.
The rich tapestry of stories surrounding Ares reflects both the veneration and disdain ancient Greeks held for war and its associated turmoil.
