Home » Ares – God of War

Roman name : Mars (Planet Mars and month of March named after Ares). Tuesday is named after Ares (read Weekday article)

Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera, and one of the twelve Olympians who reside on Mount Olympus. He is the god of war and courage, but also of violence, bloodshed, and strife. He is often depicted as a fierce warrior, wearing a helmet, shield, and spear, and riding a chariot pulled by fire-breathing horses. He is accompanied by his loyal companions, Deimos (Fear) and Phobos (Terror), as well as Eris (Discord) and Enyo (War).

Unlike his Roman counterpart Mars, who was also associated with agriculture and fertility, Ares was not very popular among the ancient Greeks. They viewed him as a destructive and brutal force, who brought only misery and death to mortals. He was often opposed by other gods, such as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, who favored a more rational and civilized approach to war. Ares was also humiliated by his enemies on several occasions, such as when he was wounded by Diomedes with the help of Athena during the Trojan War, or when he was trapped in a bronze jar by two giants, Otus and Ephialtes.

However, Ares was not without his admirers and lovers. He had a passionate affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, who was married to Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship. Their illicit relationship was exposed by Hephaestus, who caught them in a net and displayed them to the other gods. Ares also fathered many children with various goddesses and mortal women, some of whom became famous heroes or villains, such as Harmonia, Eros, Anteros, Phlegyas, Cycnus, Oenomaus, Diomedes of Thrace, and the Amazons.

Ares was worshipped in some regions of Greece, especially in Sparta, where he was revered as a patron of military prowess and courage. He had several temples and shrines dedicated to him, where animals such as dogs, boars, and bulls were sacrificed to him. He was also associated with some cults and festivals, such as the Amazonsia in Athens, where women dressed up as warriors and celebrated his daughter Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons.

Ares is a complex and intriguing god, who represents both the glory and the horror of war. He is a symbol of strength and bravery, but also of cruelty and savagery. He is a lover and a father, but also a killer and a destroyer. He is a god who challenges us to face our fears and passions, but also to question our motives and actions.

Ares recommends:

The Teams of Ares

If Ares was a fan of modern sports teams, he would support: