The Story of Phobos
Phobos was the god of fear and panic, a son of Ares and Aphrodite. His brother Deimos was the god of dread, and the two rode into battle with their father. Hesiod says they drove the ranks of warriors into rout in chilling war.
In the Iliad, Phobos spreads fear among the fighters, and when Ares learned that his son Ascalaphus had been killed, he called for Phobos and Deimos to yoke his horses. His terrifying face was painted on warriors' shields, as on the shield of Heracles described in an ancient poem. The Spartans were said to have a shrine to him, honoring the fear that broke enemy lines.
The word phobia, an intense fear, comes from his name. When the astronomer Asaph Hall discovered the two moons of Mars in 1877, he named them Phobos and Deimos, after the sons of Ares, whom the Romans called Mars. Phobos, the larger moon, still circles the red planet.
Famous Myths About Phobos
Yoking the Horses of War
In the Iliad, when Ares learned that his son Ascalaphus had been killed, he called for Phobos and Deimos. The two brothers harnessed their father's horses as he armed himself to return to battle.
Phobos's Family Tree
Parents of Phobos
Partners of Phobos
Children of Phobos
Frequently Asked Questions About Phobos
Who is Phobos in Greek mythology?
Phobos is the god of fear and panic, who spread terror on the battlefield. The word phobia comes from his name.
Who are Phobos's parents?
Phobos is a son of Ares and Aphrodite, and his twin brother is Deimos, the god of dread.
Is the moon of Mars named after Phobos?
Yes. Mars, the Roman Ares, has two moons, and they are named Phobos and Deimos after his sons.
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