Ares

Definition

Ares is the Greek god of war, representing the chaotic and violent aspects of conflict. He embodies the brutality and bloodshed of battle, often contrasted with other deities like Athena, who symbolizes strategic warfare. Ares is not just a warrior but also a complex figure associated with fear, aggression, and destruction in both mythology and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares is often depicted in art as a powerful and aggressive figure, frequently accompanied by symbols of war like swords and shields.
2. Despite his status as a major god, Ares was not widely worshipped in ancient Greece and had few temples dedicated to him.
3. His most famous myth involves his love affair with Aphrodite, which highlights the contrast between love and war.
4. In literature, Ares is frequently portrayed as an embodiment of chaos and destruction, lacking the strategic qualities associated with other war deities.
5. Ares was often accompanied by Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Terror), his twin sons who personified the fear that accompanies warfare.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast Ares with Athena in terms of their representations of warfare in Greek mythology.
  • Ares represents the chaotic and brutal side of war, focusing on violence and destruction, while Athena embodies the strategic and intellectual approach to conflict. Athena's warfare is characterized by wisdom and tactical skill, reflecting her role as a goddess of wisdom. This contrast highlights different aspects of human experience in battle; Ares captures the primal instincts driving men into conflict, whereas Athena emphasizes the importance of strategy and justice in warfare.
• Discuss the cultural significance of Ares in ancient Greek society and why he was not as widely worshipped as other gods.
  • Ares' lack of widespread worship can be attributed to the negative perceptions surrounding violence and chaos that he represented. Greeks valued victory through strategy and intellect rather than brute force. Consequently, deities like Athena were favored because they embodied qualities that were more respected in society. This cultural context explains why Ares had fewer temples dedicated to him compared to other major gods, as people preferred to venerate those who offered more positive attributes.
• Evaluate the role of Ares in literature and how his portrayal reflects broader themes related to war and humanity.
  • In literature, Ares often symbolizes the darker aspects of human nature associated with war—chaos, violence, and irrationality. This portrayal reflects broader themes about the duality of conflict; while some narratives explore the honor in battle or heroism through characters aligned with figures like Athena, others delve into the tragic consequences wrought by unbridled aggression. The complexity of Ares allows writers to explore these contrasting perspectives on warfare, prompting readers to question what it truly means to engage in conflict.

Related terms

Athena: The Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, representing strategic and disciplined aspects of conflict, often seen as Ares' opposite.

Mars: The Roman equivalent of Ares, representing not only war but also agricultural guardianship, reflecting the more favorable view of war in Roman culture.

Hoplite: A heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece, representing the citizen-soldier ideal that contrasts with Ares' chaotic nature.