Ares

Definition

Ares is the Greek god of war, representing the chaotic and violent aspects of conflict. He is often associated with the bloodshed and brutality of battle, standing in contrast to Athena, who embodies strategic warfare and wisdom. Ares plays a significant role among the major Greek deities, influencing the way war was perceived in ancient Greek society and culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares was not widely worshipped in Greece compared to other deities; he was often viewed with disdain by both gods and mortals due to his unpredictable nature.
2. He had a tumultuous romantic relationship with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which symbolized the conflict between love and war.
3. Ares was often depicted in art wearing armor and carrying weapons like a spear or sword, emphasizing his role as a warrior god.
4. In myths, he was known to have been defeated by Athena during the Trojan War, showcasing that brute strength alone does not guarantee victory in warfare.
5. Ares had a son named Phobos (fear) and another named Deimos (terror), both of whom accompanied him into battle, reinforcing the psychological aspects of war.

Review Questions

• How does Ares' representation of war differ from that of Athena in Greek mythology?
  • Ares represents the chaotic and violent nature of war, focusing on its brutal aspects without regard for strategy or purpose. In contrast, Athena embodies wisdom and strategic warfare, advocating for a more disciplined approach. This distinction highlights the ancient Greeks' complex views on warfare, where raw aggression was not always seen as virtuous compared to calculated tactics.
• Discuss the cultural significance of Ares' lack of widespread worship compared to other major deities like Zeus or Athena.
  • Ares' minimal worship reflects the ancient Greeks' ambivalence toward war and its consequences. While they acknowledged the necessity of conflict for defense and honor, they also recognized its destructive potential. Unlike Zeus or Athena, who were revered for their contributions to civilization and strategy, Ares was often viewed as embodying chaos and violence. This cultural perception shaped how Greeks approached warfare both in myth and reality.
• Evaluate how Ares' characteristics as the god of war influence the portrayal of heroes and warriors in Greek literature and mythology.
  • Ares' characteristics significantly impact the portrayal of heroes and warriors by emphasizing that strength alone does not guarantee success or honor in battle. Literature often showcases heroes who embody qualities such as bravery, intelligence, and strategic thinking rather than simply relying on sheer force associated with Ares. This duality reflects a deeper understanding of warfare's complexities in Greek culture, where heroes often needed to navigate both physical confrontations and moral dilemmas influenced by Ares' chaotic nature.

Related terms

Athena: The goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy, often seen as Ares' counterpart who promotes disciplined and strategic approaches to conflict.

Mars: The Roman equivalent of Ares, embodying similar attributes related to war but also connected with agriculture and fertility in Roman mythology.

Hoplite: A heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece, representing the citizen-soldier ideal during the classical period, often involved in conflicts that Ares would preside over.