Ares

Ares is the Greek god of war. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, the son of Zeus and Hera. In literature, Ares represents the violent and physical untamed aspect of war, in contrast to his sister Athena, who represents military strategy and generalship as the goddess of intelligence.

Mythology

Ares is often depicted as a less favorable god among the Olympians. He is known for his aggressive nature and is often accompanied by his sons, Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Terror), and his lover, Aphrodite, the goddess of love. His Roman counterpart is Mars, who, unlike Ares, was more widely revered and respected.

Attributes and Symbols

Ares is typically depicted wearing a helmet and carrying a shield and spear. His sacred animals include the vulture and the dog. In art, he is often shown as a mature, bearded warrior, or as a nude, youthful figure with a helmet and spear.

Worship and Cult

Ares was not widely worshipped in Ancient Greece, and his cult was relatively small compared to other gods like Apollo or Athena. However, he had a significant following in certain regions, such as Sparta, where his warlike nature was more appreciated.

Myths Involving Ares

Ares appears in various myths, often highlighting his combative and tumultuous nature. One notable myth is his affair with Aphrodite, which was discovered by her husband, Hephaestus, who trapped the lovers in a net and exposed them to the ridicule of the other gods. Another myth involves Ares' capture by the Aloadae, two giant brothers who imprisoned him in a bronze jar for over a year.

Cultural Depictions

Ares has been depicted in various forms of art and literature throughout history. In modern times, he appears in numerous works of fiction, including comic books, movies, and video games, often embodying the archetype of the warrior or the antagonist.

See Also

• Greek mythology
• Twelve Olympians
• Zeus
• Hera
• Athena
• Aphrodite
• Mars (mythology)