Ares

Ares is the god of war and destruction in Greek mythology. Born as the son of Zeus and Hera, Ares represents pure violence, chaos, and destruction, in contrast to Athena, who embodies the strategic and disciplined aspects of war. Although known for his physical strength and martial prowess, he is seldom favored by the other Olympian gods due to his thoughtlessness and aggression.

In Greek mythology, Ares embodies the bloodiest and cruelest face of war. Despite being a brave and fearless warrior, he often meets failure because he acts recklessly on many time war battlefields. Homer’s epic the Iliad contains harsh criticisms of Ares; he is referred to as “hateful Ares,” “murderer of men,” and “insatiable in war” like.

The Greeks did not regard Ares as their own god in the sense of honor; instead, they associated him with the Thracians, a people known as warriors and barbarians. In Roman mythology, however, Ares, known as Mars, evolved into a more serious and respected god of war.

Representation of the God of War, image designed by artificial intelligence.

Familial Relationships

Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera, and Hebe and Ilithyia are his siblings. He had numerous relationships with goddesses and mortals, fathering many children. His most famous story is his illicit love affair with Aphrodite. Aphrodite’s husband Hephaestus discovered their relationship, trapped them in a net, and exposed them before all the gods small. Among the children of Ares and Aphrodite, the most well-known are:

Eros: The god of love and desire.

Deimos (Fear) and Phobos (Terror): Gods who accompany their father, spreading fear and panic on battlefields fear.

Harmonia: The goddess of harmony and peace.

Ares is also regarded as the father of the brave and warlike Amazon women.

Mythological Tales

War with Heracles

One of Ares’ most famous myths is his conflict with Heracles. His son Cygnus gained notoriety by attacking travelers on their way to the oracle of Delphi. Apollo sent Heracles to stop Cygnus. Upon Cygnus’ death, Ares, enraged, attacked Heracles. However, Athena protected Heracles and prevented Ares from seeing clearly, driving the god of war away.

Imprisonment by the Twin Giants

One myth illustrating Ares’ vulnerability describes how he was captured and locked in a bronze jar by the twin giants Otus and Ephialtes. Trapped inside for a year, Ares was only freed with the aid of Hermes. This incident damaged his status on Olympus.

Role in the Trojan War

Ares supported the Trojans during the Trojan War. However, he was deceived by Athena and wounded by the Achaean warrior Diomedes, rendering him unfit for battle. Homer compared Ares’ scream to the cries of ten thousand men. Upon returning to Olympus, Zeus ignored his complaints but instructed the healer Paieon to heal his wounds.

Place in Art and Culture

In ancient Greek art, Ares is typically depicted as a fully armored warrior. He is shown holding a spear and sword, wearing a helmet. Sometimes he is portrayed riding a chariot drawn by horses that spew fire.

Common scenes in art include his forbidden love with Aphrodite or his battle with Heracles. From the 6th century BCE onward, depictions of Ares frequently appear on Greek vases and statues.

In Roman mythology, Ares is known as god and is regarded as a more respected god in Roman culture. For the Romans, Mars was not the god of chaotic war but of order and the protector of the empire. Thus, he held a far more important position within the Roman pantheon.

Ares represents the most destructive and bloody aspect of war in Greek mythology. Although known for his physical strength and courage, he often fails due to his lack of strategy and intelligence. Myths such as his affair with Aphrodite, his role in the Trojan War, and his battle with Heracles are key narratives that shape his character.

Ares, remembered in art and mythology as a symbol of war’s destructiveness and the dangers of unchecked power, was among the least favored of the Greek gods. Yet his presence in myth serves as a vital reminder that war is an inevitable real.