Ares

Definition

Ares is the ancient Greek god of war, representing the brutal and chaotic aspects of battle. Unlike other gods in the Greek pantheon who may embody more noble or strategic elements of warfare, Ares symbolizes sheer violence and bloodshed, often seen as an embodiment of conflict itself. He is one of the Twelve Olympian gods and is frequently depicted as a powerful figure wielding weapons and accompanied by symbols of aggression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares was often depicted as a young man in armor, carrying a spear or sword and accompanied by figures such as Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror), representing the psychological aspects of war.
2. Despite his powerful persona, Ares was not widely worshipped in ancient Greece and lacked major temples dedicated to him, reflecting the negative perception of war.
3. In mythology, Ares had a well-known affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, highlighting the duality between love and war in human experience.
4. His Roman equivalent is Mars, who was much more revered and associated with agricultural fertility in addition to warfare.
5. Ares' chaotic nature often resulted in conflict even among the gods, leading to numerous stories where he faced defeat or scorn from other deities.

Review Questions

• Compare Ares with Athena in terms of their representations of warfare within Greek mythology.
  • Ares and Athena represent two contrasting aspects of warfare in Greek mythology. Ares embodies the chaotic and violent side of battle, focusing on bloodshed without strategic consideration. In contrast, Athena symbolizes wisdom and strategy in warfare, promoting tactical planning and intelligence. Their differences reflect the multifaceted nature of conflict in human society, where both brute force and cunning are necessary.
• Discuss how Ares' portrayal in mythology reflects societal attitudes towards war in ancient Greece.
  • Ares’ portrayal in mythology showcases a complex relationship with war in ancient Greek society. While he is a powerful figure representing the ferocity of combat, his lack of widespread worship indicates a societal ambivalence toward war. The Greeks revered victory but were wary of the destruction that comes from conflict. This duality is reflected in myths where Ares often faces defeat or ridicule from other gods, suggesting that while war is inevitable, it is also viewed with caution.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of Ares’ relationship with Aphrodite in understanding the interplay between love and war in Greek thought.
  • The relationship between Ares and Aphrodite serves as a profound symbol of the interplay between love and war within Greek thought. This union illustrates how these two opposing forces can coexist and influence each other in human experience. It suggests that passion—whether for battle or for love—can lead to both destruction and creation. This dynamic provides insight into how ancient Greeks viewed personal relationships amidst the backdrop of conflict, illustrating that emotional ties can deeply impact one's actions in both realms.

Related terms

Athena:

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, often seen as Ares' counterpart, representing strategic warfare and intelligence in battle.

Olympians: The Olympians are the principal deities in ancient Greek religion, residing atop Mount Olympus and including gods like Zeus, Hera, and Ares.

Mythology: Mythology refers to the collection of myths and stories that explain the beliefs, values, and rituals of ancient Greek culture, including tales of gods like Ares.