Ares

Definition

Ares is the ancient Greek god of war, representing the chaotic and violent aspects of warfare. He embodies the brutality of battle and is often depicted as aggressive and bloodthirsty, contrasting with Athena, who represents strategic warfare and wisdom. As a prominent figure in Greek mythology, Ares was worshipped primarily in Sparta and was often associated with the tumult and frenzy of combat.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares was often depicted in art as a young man in armor, reflecting the warrior ideal, but his character was also marked by impulsiveness and rage.
2. Unlike other Olympian gods, Ares was not widely popular among the Greeks and had fewer temples dedicated to him compared to deities like Zeus or Athena.
3. His main companions included Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror), who embodied the psychological effects of war alongside him.
4. Ares had several romantic relationships, most notably with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, showcasing a complex relationship between love and war.
5. In ancient literature, Ares appears in works such as Homer's 'Iliad', where he is portrayed as a fierce combatant who enjoys conflict but is ultimately flawed and often defeated.

Review Questions

• How does Ares’ portrayal in Greek mythology differ from that of Athena, and what does this reveal about ancient Greek values regarding warfare?
  • Ares is portrayed as the embodiment of chaos and violence in warfare, emphasizing the brutal and uncontrollable aspects of conflict. In contrast, Athena represents strategy and wisdom, suggesting that the Greeks valued intelligence and cunning over sheer brute force. This dichotomy reveals that while war was an integral part of Greek culture, there was a recognition that success in battle required more than just aggression; it also demanded careful planning and tactics.
• Discuss the significance of Ares’ relationships with other deities, such as Aphrodite, in understanding his character within Greek mythology.
  • Ares’ relationship with Aphrodite highlights a duality in his character; he represents not just war but also the passion and tumult associated with love. This pairing suggests that conflict and desire are interconnected themes within Greek mythology. It illustrates how the ancients viewed war not only as a physical struggle but also as an emotional one, where love could drive individuals to acts of violence or heroic deeds.
• Evaluate how Ares' lesser popularity among the Greeks compared to other Olympian gods reflects broader societal attitudes towards war and its consequences.
  • Ares’ lack of popularity indicates that while war was an inevitable part of life for the Greeks, they did not glorify its chaotic nature. Instead, they revered gods like Athena who represented strategic thinking and wisdom. This reflects a societal attitude that recognized the horrors and unpredictability of war; rather than celebrating Ares' brutality, they preferred to emphasize control, strategy, and honor in conflict. Thus, Ares serves as a reminder of what can go wrong when violence overshadows reason.

Related terms

Athena:

The ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare strategy, and crafts, often depicted as a counterpart to Ares, embodying rationality in contrast to his chaos.

Mars: The Roman equivalent of Ares, Mars was also associated with war but held a more favorable position in Roman culture, symbolizing military power and protection.

Mythology: A collection of stories and legends about gods, heroes, and the nature of the world that reflect the beliefs and values of a culture, particularly important in understanding figures like Ares.