Ares

Definition

Ares is the Greek god of war, representing the violent and chaotic aspects of battle. He is often depicted as fierce and aggressive, embodying the brutal nature of conflict and strife, which sets him apart from other gods associated with war, like Athena, who represents strategy and wisdom in warfare. Ares' tumultuous personality and his relationships with other deities reflect the complexities of human emotions tied to war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares was not widely worshiped in ancient Greece; many Greeks viewed him as a negative figure associated with bloodshed and destruction.
2. He was often accompanied by his two sons, Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror), who represented the fear and panic that warfare brings.
3. Ares had a tumultuous romantic relationship with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which highlights the contrast between war and love in Greek mythology.
4. In art and literature, Ares is frequently depicted in armor, wielding weapons like a spear or sword, showcasing his role as a warrior god.
5. Despite his power, Ares was often seen as less influential than other Olympian gods and was considered cowardly at times, illustrating his complex character.

Review Questions

• How does Ares' character differ from that of Athena when it comes to war?
  • Ares embodies the chaotic and violent aspects of war, focusing on aggression and destruction without strategy. In contrast, Athena represents wisdom and strategy in warfare, highlighting a more disciplined approach to conflict. This difference illustrates how Greek mythology presents varying perspectives on war through its deities, showing that not all aspects of battle are about brute force.
• Discuss the significance of Ares' relationship with Aphrodite within Greek mythology.
  • The relationship between Ares and Aphrodite symbolizes the interplay between love and war. While Ares represents chaos and violence, Aphrodite embodies beauty and affection. Their union highlights the duality present in human experiences where love can thrive even amid conflict. This relationship also serves to demonstrate how Greek mythology intertwines various human emotions, portraying complex narratives that resonate with real-life experiences.
• Evaluate the reasons why Ares was less revered compared to other Olympian gods despite being a major deity associated with war.
  • Ares was often viewed negatively in ancient Greek culture due to his association with unnecessary violence and chaos rather than honorable warfare. Unlike Athena or other gods who represented more favorable aspects of conflict or civic duty, Ares was seen as embodying the ugliness of battle, leading to fear and destruction. His portrayal as cowardly in various myths further contributed to his lack of reverence. The ambivalence towards Ares highlights how cultural values shaped perceptions of deities in Greek mythology.

Related terms

Athena: The Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, often considered Ares' counterpart due to her strategic approach to battle, contrasting his brute force.

Mars: The Roman counterpart of Ares, also associated with war but often portrayed with more positive traits, emphasizing honor and valor in battle.

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