Ares

Definition

Ares is the Greek god of war, often associated with the chaotic and violent aspects of warfare. Unlike Athena, who represents strategy and wisdom in battle, Ares embodies the raw and brutal nature of conflict, making him a complex figure in Greek mythology. He is depicted as a powerful and aggressive warrior, often shown in art alongside symbols of destruction, reflecting the fears and realities of war in ancient Greek society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ares was not widely worshipped in ancient Greece compared to other gods due to his violent nature; most Greeks preferred the more strategic aspects represented by Athena.
2. In art, Ares is often depicted wearing armor and a helmet, carrying a spear or sword, and accompanied by symbols such as dogs or vultures that represent war's brutality.
3. He had a contentious relationship with other gods, often depicted as disliked by both Zeus and Hera for his aggressive tendencies.
4. Ares had various offspring, including Phobos (fear) and Deimos (terror), who personified the fear and panic associated with war.
5. Despite his fierce persona, Ares was also known for his romantic relationship with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, which highlighted the duality of love and war.

Review Questions

• How does Ares' representation in art reflect ancient Greek attitudes towards war?
  • Ares is depicted in art as a powerful warrior clad in armor and surrounded by symbols of violence. This portrayal reflects ancient Greek attitudes that feared the chaotic nature of war while simultaneously acknowledging its inevitability. Artists emphasized his brutal characteristics to highlight the darker sides of conflict that were often experienced in their society.
• In what ways do Ares and Athena serve as contrasting figures within Greek mythology regarding warfare?
  • Ares represents the chaotic and violent aspects of war, while Athena embodies strategy and wisdom in combat. This contrast illustrates two different approaches to warfare: Ares symbolizes unrestrained aggression, which can lead to destruction, whereas Athena represents calculated tactics that can lead to victory without unnecessary bloodshed. Their relationship exemplifies the complexity of how ancient Greeks understood conflict.
• Evaluate the significance of Ares' character within the broader context of Greek culture and its understanding of heroism.
  • Ares' character plays a significant role in shaping Greek culture's understanding of heroism. While he embodies traits associated with traditional heroism like bravery and strength, his violent nature raises questions about the morality of such traits. This duality challenges the heroic ideal by showcasing the consequences of unrestrained aggression, prompting Greeks to consider not just valor but also wisdom and strategy in their concepts of what it means to be heroic.

Related terms

Athena:

The Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and strategy, often contrasted with Ares due to her tactical approach to combat.

Mythology: A collection of traditional stories that explain the beliefs, practices, and values of ancient cultures, including the narratives surrounding Ares and other gods.

Heroic Ideal: The concept in ancient Greek culture that emphasized virtues like bravery, honor, and prowess in battle, often embodied by figures associated with Ares.