Ares: The Controversial God of War
Ares, the Greek god of war, is one of the most complex and controversial figures in Greek mythology. Known for his brutal nature and love of conflict, Ares embodies the chaotic and destructive aspects of warfare. Unlike other gods who were revered for their nobility, wisdom, or beauty, Ares was often viewed with disdain by both gods and mortals. His presence in mythology reflects the ambivalence of ancient Greek society toward the concept of war and violence.
The Birth of Ares
Ares was the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Hera, the queen of the gods. His birth is unique in that it reflects the volatility of his parents’ relationship. Hera, often portrayed as a goddess of marriage, was deeply offended by Zeus’s numerous affairs, and some myths suggest that Ares was born solely as a result of her own wrath, without Zeus’s involvement (a parthenogenesis). From the moment of his birth, Ares was destined to represent the destructive force of war.
Ares' Role in Greek Mythology
Ares was often depicted as a fierce and aggressive deity who relished battle and bloodshed. Unlike his sister Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, Ares embodied the chaotic, uncontrollable aspects of war. While Athena represented the tactical and honorable side of combat, Ares was associated with the violence, rage, and disorder that war often brings.
In mythology, Ares is frequently portrayed as a violent and unpredictable figure, often finding himself at odds with other gods, even though he was one of the Olympians. His primary role was to incite conflict, and he was often invoked during times of war and strife.
Key Myths Involving Ares
The Trojan War: Ares played a significant role in the Trojan War, siding with the Trojans. He was drawn into several battles, including duels with Greek heroes like Diomedes and Hector. Ares’s involvement in the war shows his chaotic nature, as he fought not for any strategic advantage but simply for the thrill of battle. Despite his strength, Ares was wounded by Diomedes during one encounter, showing that even the god of war could be vulnerable.
Ares and Aphrodite: One of the most famous myths involving Ares is his affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Despite Aphrodite being married to Hephaestus, the god of the forge, she and Ares shared a passionate relationship. Their union was both a scandalous and ironic pairing, as Ares represented violence and destruction, while Aphrodite embodied beauty and love. The affair was discovered when Hephaestus, seeking revenge, trapped the lovers in a net and exposed them to the other gods, leading to mockery and humiliation.
The Battle with Hercules: Ares's conflicts with mortal heroes also appear in Greek myths. One notable story involves Heracles (Hercules), who, during his labors, was forced to confront Ares. In some versions, Ares becomes enraged when Hercules kills his sons, who were fighting on the opposing side during the battle of Mount Pholoe. Though Ares tried to defeat Heracles, he ultimately failed, highlighting the god's vulnerability and temper.
Ares’ Character and Personality
Ares was often depicted as a deeply flawed deity. While he was strong, skilled in battle, and brave, he lacked the wisdom and strategy associated with other war gods like Athena. In many ways, Ares embodies the darker side of human nature—the thirst for violence, bloodshed, and domination.
In contrast to the more noble aspects of war, Ares was often portrayed as impulsive, ruthless, and vengeful. He had a tendency to act without thought for consequences, and his presence on the battlefield was more about destruction than strategy or victory. Ares’s nature led him to be both feared and disliked by other gods, who often criticized him for his recklessness.
Worship and Temples of Ares
Despite his negative traits, Ares was still worshipped in certain parts of the ancient Greek world, although not as widely as other gods. His worship was particularly prominent in Sparta, where his martial qualities were more highly valued. The Spartans, known for their warrior culture, revered Ares as a patron deity of their military prowess.
In Athens, Ares was honored in a more restrained manner, with offerings and prayers made to him in times of war. His temples were sparse, and unlike gods like Zeus or Apollo, he did not have grand, sprawling shrines. Instead, Ares’s worship was often linked to military campaigns and the need for strength and courage in battle.
One notable site of worship was the Areopagus, a rocky hill near the Acropolis in Athens, where Ares was said to have been tried for the murder of Poseidon’s son, Halirrhothius. Here, citizens would gather to conduct judicial proceedings, and the place became associated with both the law and the darker side of warfare.
Ares’ Relationship with Other Gods
Ares’s relationships with other Olympians were often strained. He was frequently at odds with the more peace-loving gods, such as Apollo and Hermes, who represented reason, trade, and communication. Athena, as the goddess of wisdom and war strategy, stood in direct contrast to Ares, representing a more controlled and noble approach to warfare. In many stories, Ares was mocked or scorned by other gods, especially because of his brutality and lack of diplomacy.
However, Ares was close to some deities who were also associated with combat and strength, such as Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and wilderness, and his father Zeus, who sometimes called upon him to assist in battles. Ares also had children with various women, some of whom were warriors or figures of power, further cementing his connection to the more aggressive aspects of life.
Archaeological Evidence and Iconography of Ares
Ares was frequently depicted in ancient Greek art, though not as extensively as gods like Zeus or Athena. On pottery, Ares was often shown as a fully armored warrior, wielding a spear or a sword, and sometimes riding a chariot into battle. He was typically portrayed as a strong, muscular figure, representing the physicality of war.
Some notable depictions include:
- The "Ares Borghese" Statue: A marble statue dating from the 2nd century BCE, showing Ares in a relaxed posture, holding a spear.
- Vases and Pottery: Many vases depict Ares in scenes of battle, usually showing his anger and aggression. However, some vases also show him as a more vulnerable figure, often defeated or mocked by heroes and other gods.
The Legacy of Ares
Ares’s legacy is one of complexity. While he was worshipped in some parts of the ancient world, his reputation remained controversial. Ares did not inspire the same love and admiration as other gods like Apollo or Hermes. Instead, he was seen as a necessary evil—representing the unavoidable reality of war, aggression, and destruction.
The myths of Ares remind us of the harsh realities of human conflict and the often uncontrollable nature of violence. His story reflects the ambivalence of Greek culture toward war—acknowledging its necessity while also recognizing its deep destructiveness.
Though his worship has faded, Ares's legacy continues to shape modern understandings of war and conflict, highlighting both the glory and the horror that come with violence. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked aggression and the consequences of pursuing war without thought for its aftermath.
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