Ares is the Greek god of war, often depicted as a fierce and aggressive deity representing the brutal and chaotic aspects of conflict. Unlike Athena, who embodies strategic warfare, Ares symbolizes the raw violence and bloodlust of battle. He is the son of Zeus and Hera and is known for his tumultuous relationship with the other gods, including his affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Ares’ Roman counterpart is Mars, who, in contrast, was also associated with agricultural guardianship and held in higher regard by the Romans. His mythological narratives often highlight his contentious and destructive nature.
Origins and Attributes
Ares is one of the twelve Olympian gods and the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Hera, the queen of the gods. He was born on Mount Olympus, and his birth was said to have been particularly challenging, leading to an association with strife from the very beginning. Despite his divine parentage, Ares was not widely revered among the Greeks, and his character was often portrayed in a negative light.
In terms of attributes, Ares is typically depicted as a fierce and powerful warrior, often armed with a spear and shield. He is usually shown wearing a helmet and armor, ready for battle. In many artistic representations, he is accompanied by symbols of war such as dogs, vultures, and the occasional serpent. His chariot is described as being driven by his sons, Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror), who embody the emotions that Ares instills in both his enemies and allies.
Ares’ personality is characterized by his hot temper, impulsive nature, and a love for conflict. Unlike other gods who might use diplomacy or strategy, Ares revels in the chaos and bloodshed of battle. This aspect of his personality made him unpopular among the other gods, who often saw him as a necessary but distasteful presence in the divine order.
Mythology
Ares appears in numerous myths, often highlighting his brute force and tumultuous relationships with other gods and mortals. Some of the most notable stories involving Ares include his involvement in the Trojan War, his affair with Aphrodite, and his conflicts with heroes like Heracles and Diomedes.
The Trojan War
One of the most significant mythological events involving Ares is the Trojan War, as recounted in Homer’s “Iliad.” Ares played a direct role in the conflict, siding with the Trojans against the Greeks. His presence on the battlefield was both a boon and a curse for the Trojans, as his ferocity inspired fear in their enemies but also attracted the ire of other gods.
During the war, Ares clashed with Athena, who supported the Greeks. In one notable encounter, Athena overpowered Ares by striking him with a large rock, highlighting the contrast between Ares’ raw power and Athena’s strategic prowess. Despite his might, Ares was wounded and forced to retreat, demonstrating that brute strength alone was not always sufficient in the divine battles.
Affair with Aphrodite
Ares’ most famous romantic liaison was with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Despite being married to Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and craftsmen, Aphrodite engaged in a passionate affair with Ares. This relationship symbolizes the often intertwined nature of love and war, as well as the destructive potential of their union.
Hephaestus, aware of their infidelity, devised a cunning plan to catch them in the act. He crafted a finely-woven net that was invisible to the naked eye and set it over his marital bed. When Ares and Aphrodite lay together, the net ensnared them, and Hephaestus called upon the other gods to witness their shame. The public humiliation of Ares and Aphrodite is a testament to the complicated dynamics among the gods and serves as a reminder that even divine beings are not above human-like flaws and emotions.
Conflicts with Heroes
Ares frequently clashed with mortal heroes, often as a direct antagonist. One of the most famous conflicts is with Heracles (Hercules), who had several encounters with Ares. In one instance, Heracles killed Ares’ son Cycnus, who had been terrorizing travelers. Ares, enraged by the death of his son, confronted Heracles, but was ultimately defeated.
Another notable conflict was with Diomedes, a Greek hero in the Trojan War. In the “Iliad,” Diomedes, with the help of Athena, wounds Ares on the battlefield. This episode underscores the vulnerability of the gods when faced with mortals who have divine assistance. It also highlights Ares’ role as a perennial figure of conflict, always at odds with the forces of order and heroism.
Worship and Cult
Despite his prominent role in mythology, Ares was not widely worshipped in ancient Greece. His cult was relatively small compared to those of other major gods like Zeus, Athena, or Apollo. This lack of widespread veneration is likely due to his association with the destructive aspects of war, which were less appealing to the general populace.
However, Ares did have specific cult centers and was worshipped in certain regions and cities. The most notable site dedicated to Ares was in Sparta, a city-state known for its military prowess and warrior culture. The Spartans revered Ares as a patron of their martial society and held him in high regard. Temples and altars dedicated to Ares were also found in other parts of Greece, including Athens, where he was sometimes worshipped alongside Athena as part of the broader pantheon.
Rituals and sacrifices to Ares often involved offerings that reflected his warlike nature. Blood sacrifices, particularly of animals like dogs and boars, were common. These rituals aimed to invoke Ares’ favor and protection in times of war, seeking to harness his ferocity and strength for the benefit of the community.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Ares’ influence extends beyond ancient Greece, leaving a lasting legacy in art, literature, and popular culture. Throughout history, Ares has been a symbol of the duality of war – its glory and its horror, its necessity and its destructiveness.
Ancient Art and Literature
In ancient Greek art, Ares is frequently depicted as a powerful and imposing figure, often in scenes of battle or in the company of other gods. Sculptures, vase paintings, and reliefs show him in various poses, always emphasizing his martial attributes. One of the most famous representations of Ares is the “Ludovisi Ares,” a Roman copy of a Greek original, which portrays the god in a rare moment of repose, highlighting both his physical prowess and his potential for violence.
In literature, Ares appears in numerous works beyond the “Iliad.” He is featured in plays by playwrights such as Euripides and Aeschylus, where his character is explored in the context of human suffering and the moral implications of war. Ares’ presence in these stories often serves as a reminder of the darker side of human nature and the consequences of unchecked aggression.
Renaissance and Enlightenment
During the Renaissance, interest in classical mythology was revived, and Ares continued to be a popular subject in art and literature. Painters like Peter Paul Rubens and artists of the Baroque period depicted Ares in dramatic and dynamic compositions, often emphasizing the tumultuous and passionate aspects of his character.
In the Enlightenment era, thinkers and writers began to reinterpret Ares in the context of contemporary philosophical and political ideas. The god of war was seen both as a symbol of the destructive potential of human conflict and as a reminder of the need for reason and diplomacy to mitigate the horrors of war. Ares’ complex nature made him a compelling figure for exploring the themes of violence, power, and human nature.
Modern Interpretations
In modern times, Ares continues to be a significant figure in popular culture. He appears in various forms of media, including literature, film, television, and video games. Ares is often portrayed as a villain or antagonist, reflecting his mythological role as a bringer of chaos and conflict.
One notable example is his depiction in the DC Comics universe, where Ares (also known as Mars in Roman mythology) is an adversary of Wonder Woman. In these stories, Ares embodies the destructive nature of war and serves as a foil to Wonder Woman’s ideals of peace and justice. The character has appeared in several comic book series, animated shows, and films, including the 2017 “Wonder Woman” movie, where he is portrayed as the primary antagonist.
In literature, Ares continues to inspire writers and poets who explore themes of war and violence. His mythological stories are often reimagined and retold, highlighting the timeless nature of his character and the enduring relevance of his themes.