Who Was Ares? The Fierce God of War
- Greece Media
- Sep 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 3
Introduction
Who was Ares? In Greek mythology, he was the god of war, representing the brutal and chaotic side of battle. Unlike Athena, who embodied wisdom and strategy, Ares stood for raw violence, bloodlust, and the fearsome clash of armies. He was both feared and despised, even by the other Olympian gods, yet he remained an essential figure in Greek thought about conflict and power.
As the son of Zeus and Hera, Ares was one of the twelve Olympians, though his reputation was far from glorious. His affairs, battles, and symbols made him a controversial god, respected for his strength but criticized for his reckless nature. Despite his flaws, Ares played a major role in mythology, from his love affair with Aphrodite to his presence in the Trojan War.
Origins and Family of Ares
Ares was the son of Zeus, king of the gods, and Hera, queen of Olympus. His siblings included Hephaestus, Hebe, and Eileithyia. Though he had divine status, Ares often found himself unwelcome on Olympus, as even his father Zeus expressed disdain for his destructive tendencies.
Children of Ares
Ares fathered many children, often associated with war and conflict:
Phobos and Deimos: Personifications of fear and terror, often said to accompany him into battle.
Harmonia: Goddess of harmony, born from his union with Aphrodite.
Eros (in some myths): Associated with love, though more commonly seen as Aphrodite’s child alone.
These children reflected both sides of his nature: destruction and unexpected harmony.
Ares in Greek Mythology
Affair with Aphrodite
One of the most famous myths involving Ares was his love affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. Though she was married to Hephaestus, she and Ares became lovers. When Hephaestus discovered the betrayal, he crafted an unbreakable net and trapped the pair in bed. He then exposed them to the ridicule of the other gods.
Despite the humiliation, their union produced important children, including Phobos, Deimos, and Harmonia. This myth symbolized the dangerous but inevitable link between love and war.
Ares in the Trojan War
Ares played a role in Homer’s Iliad, fighting on the side of the Trojans. He clashed with Athena, his half-sister, who represented the opposite approach to warfare. At one point, Ares was wounded by the mortal hero Diomedes, aided by Athena. The scene highlighted his vulnerability and the Greek ambivalence toward him: strong but not always victorious.
Conflict with Heracles
In another myth, Ares fought against the hero Heracles, who had killed one of Ares’s sons. The battle ended with Heracles wounding Ares, again showing that the god of war was not invincible.
Symbols and Depictions of Ares
Ares was often shown as a muscular warrior, wearing armor and carrying a spear. Unlike other gods, he was usually depicted in full battle gear, representing his violent nature.
His key symbols included:
Spear and helmet: Weapons of battle.
Vulture: A bird associated with death and carnage.
Dogs: Sacred animals that reflected loyalty and ferocity.
Shield: Representing warfare and defense.
Artists portrayed him as handsome and strong, but with an aura of aggression and danger.
Worship and Temples of Ares
Worship in Sparta
While Ares was not as widely worshipped as other Olympians, he had a special place in Sparta, the Greek city-state dedicated to military strength. The Spartans valued his warlike nature, offering sacrifices to ensure success in battle.
Temple of Ares in Athens
In Athens, a temple was dedicated to him, though his worship there was limited compared to Athena’s. The Areopagus, a prominent rock outcrop near the Acropolis, was associated with Ares and later became the site of a council and court in Athens.
Legacy of Ares
Roman Equivalent
The Romans identified Ares with Mars, who became one of their most important gods. Unlike the Greeks, the Romans admired Mars as a father of Rome and a symbol of honor, discipline, and strength. This difference shows how cultural values shaped the interpretation of the same deity.
Influence on Culture
Ares continues to influence modern culture, from references in literature and philosophy to portrayals in films, comics, and video games. His image as the embodiment of raw violence remains powerful, and his association with fear (through Phobos and Deimos) still echoes in words like “phobia.”
Lessons from Ares
Though often disliked, Ares’s myths teach that conflict is an unavoidable part of life. His presence in stories reminds us of the destructive power of war, the need for balance, and the tension between passion and chaos.
Where You Can Find Statues or Temples of Ares
Ares, the god of war, was less widely worshipped than other Olympians, but he still had sanctuaries and statues dedicated to him.
Temple of Ares in the Ancient Agora of Athens: Originally from another site, this temple was moved stone by stone into the Agora during Roman times.
Areopagus Hill (Athens): A rocky outcrop near the Acropolis, named after Ares, which served as a place of trials and assemblies.
Statues of Ares in Museums: Famous examples include the “Ares Borghese” in the Louvre and Roman copies inspired by Greek originals.
Regional Cults: Ares was honored in Sparta and Thrace, where he was seen as a fierce protector in war.
Though less beloved than other gods, these sites and artworks highlight his presence in Greek religion and his enduring image as the embodiment of battle.
FAQs About Ares
Who was Ares in Greek mythology?
Ares was the Greek god of war, representing violence, bloodshed, and the chaotic side of battle.
What was Ares known for?
He was known for his love of war and conflict, his affair with Aphrodite, and his role in the Trojan War.
What were Ares’s symbols?
His main symbols were the spear, helmet, vulture, dogs, and shield.
Who were Ares’s children?
His children included Phobos (fear), Deimos (terror), and Harmonia (harmony), often with Aphrodite.
What was Ares’s Roman name?
The Romans called him Mars, and unlike the Greeks, they revered him as one of their greatest gods.
Conclusion
Ares was the god of war in Greek mythology, embodying the violent and chaotic side of battle. Though feared and often disliked, his role was vital in myths that explored passion, conflict, and destruction. His love for Aphrodite, clashes with heroes, and influence on both gods and mortals made him a figure of both fascination and dread.
In Rome, he became Mars, a god of honor and one of the most important deities, showing how interpretations of war differ across cultures. Ares’s legacy endures as a reminder of the darker yet unavoidable aspects of human nature.
Explore More Greek Gods
Aphrodite | Apollo | Ares | Artemis | Athena | Demeter | Dionysus | Hephaestus | Hera | Hermes | Hestia | Poseidon | Zeus
This article was written by GetGreece (Formerly GreeceMedia).
