Ares

Definition

Ares is the Greek god of war, representing the brutal and chaotic aspects of battle and conflict. He is often depicted as a fierce warrior, embodying the violence and bloodshed associated with warfare, and stands in contrast to other deities like Athena, who represents strategic warfare and wisdom. Ares is also associated with the physicality of combat and is often portrayed alongside symbols such as a spear, helmet, and shield.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares was not widely worshipped in ancient Greece compared to other gods, likely due to his association with violence and chaos rather than protection or civilization.
2. He had several notable children, including Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Terror), who accompanied him in battle.
3. Ares had a notorious love affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, which resulted in several children including Eros (Cupid).
4. He was often depicted as being accompanied by a retinue of followers known as 'The War,' which included personifications of fear, panic, and destruction.
5. In mythology, Ares was often portrayed as being defeated or outsmarted by other gods, highlighting his less favorable qualities compared to other deities like Athena.

Review Questions

• How does Ares differ from Athena in their representations of warfare within Greek mythology?
  • Ares and Athena represent two distinct aspects of warfare in Greek mythology. Ares embodies the chaotic and violent side of battle, focusing on the raw aggression and bloodshed that comes with conflict. In contrast, Athena symbolizes wisdom and strategic thinking in warfare, emphasizing tactics and discipline over brute force. This contrast illustrates how different cultures view aspects of war and valor.
• Discuss the implications of Ares' limited worship in ancient Greece compared to other deities. What does this reflect about Greek society's values regarding war?
  • The limited worship of Ares in ancient Greece suggests that Greek society valued more than just the chaos and destruction associated with war. While conflict was an unavoidable part of life, Greeks often revered deities like Athena who represented wisdom, justice, and strategic success. This reflects a cultural preference for valor that upholds civilization rather than merely celebrating violence. Societal admiration leaned towards heroes who displayed honor and cunning rather than those who thrived on brutality.
• Evaluate the significance of Ares’ relationships with other gods and mortals in shaping his character within Greek mythology.
  • Ares' relationships reveal much about his character within Greek mythology. His infamous affair with Aphrodite portrays him not only as a god of war but also emphasizes themes of love intertwined with conflict. His progeny, including Phobos and Deimos, further illustrate how fear and terror accompany war. However, his frequent defeats at the hands of other gods depict him as less honorable or favorable compared to his counterparts. This multifaceted portrayal shapes the understanding of war as both a physical struggle and an emotional experience within Greek narratives.

Related terms

Athena:

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy, often seen as a counterpart to Ares. While Ares symbolizes the chaotic nature of war, Athena represents disciplined combat and strategic planning.

Mars: Mars is the Roman counterpart to Ares, representing similar aspects of war but with a more positive connotation in Roman culture, often viewed as a protector of the state.

Phobos: Phobos is the personification of fear and panic in Greek mythology, often depicted as Ares' companion on the battlefield, symbolizing the terror that accompanies war.