Ares

The God of War and Bloodlust

Ares, the Greek god of war, was a figure both revered and feared in Greek mythology. The son of Zeus and Hera, he embodied the brutal and chaotic aspects of warfare, standing in stark contrast to Athena, who represented strategy and wisdom in battle. Ares was often depicted as a fierce and relentless warrior, clad in armor and wielding weapons, charging headlong into conflict.

Unlike many Olympians, Ares was not widely beloved, even among the gods. His impulsive and destructive nature made him a figure of dread rather than admiration. Despite his fearsome reputation, he was also a passionate lover, most famously linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Their clandestine affair, carried on despite Aphrodite’s marriage to Hephaestus, highlighted the volatile and unpredictable union of love and war.

Ares had several children, often with Aphrodite, including Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Terror), who accompanied him on the battlefield. He also fathered other notable figures, such as the Amazons, a tribe of fierce warrior women.

During the Trojan War, Ares initially sided with the Trojans, spurred by his connection to Aphrodite, who also supported them. However, his participation in the war was marked by setbacks, including being wounded by the hero Diomedes, aided by Athena, who harbored a deep disdain for Ares.

Ares’ legacy is one of raw, unbridled aggression and the savagery of war. He represents the darker, more visceral side of human conflict, a reminder of both the power and peril of unchecked violence.