Ares

Definition

Ares is the Greek god of war, representing the chaotic and violent aspects of conflict. Unlike Athena, who symbolizes strategic warfare and wisdom, Ares embodies the raw and brutal nature of battle, often associated with bloodshed and destruction. His character reflects the Greek cultural perspective on war as a source of both glory and suffering, playing a significant role in various myths and legends that shaped ancient Greek beliefs about heroism and valor.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares was often depicted in art as a strong, aggressive figure wearing armor and carrying weapons, signifying his role as a warrior god.
2. Despite being a powerful deity, Ares was not widely worshipped in ancient Greece, as many viewed him negatively due to his association with chaos and destruction.
3. He had several offspring, including Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror), who accompanied him in battle and represented the emotional aspects of warfare.
4. Ares played a crucial role in various myths, such as his affair with Aphrodite, which illustrated the tension between love and war.
5. His Roman counterpart is Mars, who was more revered and celebrated than Ares, reflecting differences in cultural attitudes towards war between Greeks and Romans.

Review Questions

• How does Ares' portrayal in Greek mythology compare to that of Athena in terms of their attributes related to warfare?
  • Ares represents the chaotic and brutal side of warfare, emphasizing violence and bloodshed without strategic planning. In contrast, Athena embodies wisdom and strategy in battle, often guiding heroes toward victory through intelligence rather than sheer force. This comparison highlights differing perspectives within Greek culture on the nature of war: Ares signifies the glorification of battle's brutality, while Athena illustrates the importance of tactical prowess.
• Discuss the significance of Ares' offspring Phobos and Deimos within the context of ancient Greek beliefs about warfare.
  • Phobos and Deimos represent fear and terror respectively, embodying the psychological impact of war on soldiers and civilians alike. Their presence alongside Ares during battles emphasizes how fear can dominate the experience of conflict. In ancient Greek beliefs, these personifications reflect an understanding that warfare was not just physical but also deeply emotional, affecting morale and outcomes on the battlefield.
• Analyze the cultural differences between Greek worship of Ares compared to Roman reverence for Mars, particularly in how these gods represented war.
  • In Greek culture, Ares was often viewed unfavorably due to his association with chaos and destruction; he lacked dedicated temples or significant cult followings. Conversely, Mars in Roman culture was revered as a protector and a symbol of military might, reflecting societal values that embraced conquest and glory in warfare. This difference illustrates how each culture's values influenced their deities: while Greeks feared war's brutality through Ares, Romans celebrated it through Mars as integral to their identity and expansion.

Related terms

Athena:

The Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy, often depicted as Ares' counterpart, emphasizing the tactical side of war.

Olympians: The major deities in Greek mythology who resided on Mount Olympus, including Ares, who was one of the twelve main gods.

Mythology: The collection of myths and stories that explain the origins, culture, and values of ancient Greek society, including tales involving Ares.