Ares

Definition

Ares is the ancient Greek god of war, known for representing the chaotic and violent aspects of warfare. Unlike Athena, who embodies strategic warfare and wisdom, Ares symbolizes the brutal and bloody nature of conflict, often associated with destruction and bloodshed. His character reflects the darker themes of war in mythology and how they impact human experiences and emotions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares was often depicted in art and literature as a powerful but unpopular figure among the gods due to his aggressive nature and love for chaos.
2. In mythology, Ares had several notable affairs, including one with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which showcases the tension between love and war.
3. Unlike other gods who had temples dedicated to them, Ares was not widely worshipped in Greece; his nature was considered unrefined and unruly.
4. Ares was frequently accompanied by his personifications of Fear (Phobos) and Terror (Deimos), who represented the psychological effects of war.
5. In the Iliad, Ares is portrayed as a petulant and aggressive deity who fights for both sides in battle, illustrating the indiscriminate nature of violence.

Review Questions

• How does Ares differ from Athena in terms of their representation in Greek mythology?
  • Ares represents the chaotic and violent aspects of war, embodying destruction and bloodshed. In contrast, Athena is associated with strategy, wisdom, and heroic aspects of warfare. This difference highlights a broader theme in Greek mythology where the consequences of war can be viewed from multiple perspectives: one that embraces chaos and aggression through Ares and another that seeks order and reason through Athena.
• Discuss the cultural implications of Ares being less worshiped compared to other Olympian deities.
  • Ares' lack of widespread worship reflects a cultural ambivalence towards war in ancient Greek society. While war was inevitable and sometimes glorified in epic tales, the Greeks recognized its brutal realities and destructive consequences. This led to a complex relationship where Ares symbolized the raw power of conflict without the honor or strategic finesse associated with other deities like Athena. Consequently, this ambivalence shaped how Greek culture viewed not only war but also its deities.
• Evaluate how Ares' character serves as a commentary on human nature within the context of warfare.
  • Ares embodies the primal instincts within human nature that lead to violence and chaos during warfare. His character suggests that while humans may strive for honor and glory in battle, there is an underlying tendency towards brutality that cannot be ignored. By depicting Ares as both powerful yet unpopular among the gods, mythology reflects on the duality of human existence: a struggle between noble ideals and base instincts. This commentary encourages deeper reflection on how individuals confront their own capacities for aggression in times of conflict.

Related terms

Athena:

The goddess of wisdom and warfare, often depicted as a strategic counterpart to Ares, representing the intellectual aspects of conflict.

Mars: The Roman counterpart of Ares, Mars is similarly associated with war but also embodies agricultural protection, highlighting different cultural attitudes toward warfare.

Hecuba: The queen of Troy and mother of Hector, Hecuba represents the human suffering caused by war, emphasizing the consequences of Ares' influence.