The son of Zeus, father of gods and men, and Hera, Goddess of Marriage, Women, and Birth, Ares – God of War, has an envious heritage. He is one of the Twelve Olympians, the principle Greek gods and goddesses who reside at Mount Olympus. Traditionally considered to be the God of War, he is more accurately the God of Blood-thirst, also responsible for rebellion, civil order, banditry, manly courage, and the weapons of war. His half sister Athena is traditionally considered the Goddess of War. Mythological accounts hold Ares (God of War) responsible for every conflict recorded in the annals of history.
Greek God of War – Ares
Representations of Ares – Greek God of War differs greatly from era to era. In some paintings and sculptures, Ares is distinguishable as a mature, middle aged, bearded man, dressed in battle clothes. In some other representations, Ares – God of War, can be made out to be a young man without a beard, minimally clothed, carrying a spear and a helm. These varying representations make it difficult to identify the god correctly.
Many accounts in Greek mythology state that Ares God of War, was not well-liked by both his parents, which probably was responsible for his many flaws which included being impulsive and picking a fight without any concern for consequences. While strong, fearless, and a great warrior, strategical planning was a weak point which led to his defeat on battlefields. On the other hand, his half-sister, Athena was also considered to be the Goddess of Strategy. This was the main cause of the animosity between the two.
The one symbol of Ares, Greek God of War that is always associated with him is his bronze armor. Another important symbol of Ares God of War was a quadriga that he owned which is a chariot that is pulled by four divine stallions which emit fire. There were some birds that were sacred to Ares. These were the vulture, the eagle owl, and the woodpecker. Another mythological narrative associates the sacrifice of dogs to Ares at night for his support on the battlefield.
There are many myths that are associated with Ares and most of these can be found in the Ares God of War biography. One of the main myths in Greek culture is of him being responsible for the events that led to the founding of the city of Thebes. Another often narrated story is that of his adulterous affair with Aphrodite, who was married to Hephaistos. His love for her led to him killing Adonis, another rival for Aphrodite’s affections. When Aphrodite and Ares were caught by her husband, it led to Ares fleeing to live with the Thracians. Other stories that are often attributed to Ares God of War, include his imprisonment in a bronze jar by the Aloadai giants, his role in the Trojan war, and his slaying of Hallirhothios who raped his daughter.
In Greece, every mythological account lists attendants and companions of the gods. Ares, God of War, had many companions. Deimos and Phobos, who according to Ares, Greek God of War facts, were his sons, were his battlefield companions. Eris, Goddess of Discord, Enyo, Goddess of Bloodshed, Enyalius, Minor God of War, and Nike, Spirit of Victory were his other attendants and companions.
While there is no mention of any unique Ares Greek God of War powers, his strength and fearlessness made him an important figure in Greek mythology. If one compared this god with Roman gods, one would notice an interesting similarity between Mars, the Roman God of War and Agriculture, and Ares, though Mars was held in much higher esteem.
In modern times, Ares, God of War, has featured in popular media. He was a recurring character in the series Xena: Warrior Princess, and is featured in the Percy Jackson series, and The Underland Chronicles. Ares is also the antagonist in the popular video game, God of War. From ancient mythology to modern video games, Ares, God of War has always been one of the key characters in depiction and narration of stories of the immortal and worshiped.