Ares: Unraveling the Myths of the Greek God of War

Ares was one of the twelve Olympian gods, but he had fewer temples than almost any other major deity. This fact shows a fascinating paradox. It’s about the god of war in a society built on military conquest.

Ancient Greeks saw Ares with a mix of fear and reluctance. Unlike other gods, Ares was not widely worshiped. He represented the brutal, chaotic side of war. Even warrior societies wanted to keep him at a distance.

But, there’s more to Ares than his bloodthirsty reputation. Modern views often see him as just a warmonger. They miss the complex role he played in ancient beliefs about conflict, courage, and human nature.

This journey will reveal the true Ares. We’ll look at his relationships, symbols, and lasting impact on culture. Get ready to see why this misunderstood deity is more than his fierce exterior.

• Ares received fewer temples than other major Olympian gods despite ruling warfare
• Ancient Greeks feared his representation of chaotic, brutal combat
• His character extends beyond simple bloodlust to complex themes of courage
• Modern interpretations often oversimplify his mythological significance
• His relationships with other gods reveal deeper aspects of his personality
• Ares continues to influence contemporary culture and storytelling

If you crack open the poetic scrolls left by ancient Greeks, you’ll see a far richer—and sometimes contradictory—Ares than his pop-culture “war for war’s sake” reputation suggests.

In short, ancient hymns reveal a god capable of both terrible destruction and, at times, reluctant peacemaking. Ares was summoned not just to unleash violence, but to help mortals manage it—or even overcome it—reminding us that even the god of War was called upon to promote a little harmony on occasion.

Ares was born from Zeus and Hera, making him a powerful Olympian god from the start. But his relationship with his parents was far from perfect.

Zeus had mixed feelings about Ares. The Spanish song reference captures this perfectly: “Zeus engendró a un dios sin corazón” (Zeus begot a god without a heart). This phrase highlights how even Zeus viewed Ares as lacking compassion and mercy.

“Of all the gods who hold Olympus, you are most hateful to me, for always strife is dear to you and wars and battles.”

Hera, Ares’ mother, also struggled with his violent nature. Some myths say she sent him away from Olympus during his youth because of his aggressive behavior. This early rejection shaped Ares into a deity who sought approval through displays of strength and warfare.

Ancient Greek artists and poets described Ares as the perfect warrior in physical form. He had an imposing figure that struck fear into enemies and inspired confidence in allies. His muscular build reflected his role as the God of War.

Classical depictions show Ares with powerful chest muscles and a commanding presence on the battlefield. He wore gleaming bronze armor that caught the light of battle fires. His helmet, often adorned with horsehair plumes, added to his intimidating appearance.

The god carried a gigantic spear that became his signature weapon. This massive weapon could pierce through multiple enemies at once, demonstrating his supernatural strength. His shield bore designs that told stories of famous battles and victories.

Ares’ eyes were said to burn with the fire of conflict. When he entered battle, his appearance became even more terrifying. His armor would gleam brighter, and his voice would boom across battlefields like thunder.

The symbols associated with Ares revealed the complex nature of warfare in ancient Greek culture. Each attribute carried deep meaning about conflict, courage, and the consequences of battle.

His primary symbols included the spear and shield, representing offensive and defensive aspects of war. The spear symbolized aggression and the drive to attack, while the shield represented protection and strategic defense. Together, they showed that successful warfare required both elements.

Sacred animals connected to Ares included the vulture and the dog. Vultures followed armies to feast on fallen soldiers, making them natural symbols of war’s aftermath. Dogs represented loyalty in battle and the fierce protection warriors showed for their comrades.

The boar also served as one of Ares’ sacred animals. These creatures were known for their aggressive nature and willingness to fight when cornered. This connection emphasized the God of War’s association with courage in desperate situations.

Ares was further linked to the serpent, an animal steeped in symbolism. The serpent embodied both danger and guardianship, echoing the unpredictable outcomes of war. Certain birds, like the vulture and some species of owl, were also associated with Ares, as ancient augury interpreted these creatures as omens of conflict, sedition, and ill fortune.

In myth, two legendary serpents were especially tied to Ares. The Colchian Dragon, a monstrous serpent placed by Ares to guard the Golden Fleece, represented the god’s role as a fierce protector of prized possessions. Similarly, the Ismenian Dragon watched over a sacred spring near Thebes, reinforcing Ares’ connection to powerful, untamable guardians.

Through these symbols—both animal and artifact—Ares was portrayed as a god who embodied the many faces of war: its brutality, its loyalty, its unpredictability, and its moments of desperate valor.

Bronze and iron were metals sacred to Ares, reflecting the importance of weapons and armor in warfare. The color red became strongly associated with him, representing both the blood of battle and the passion that drove warriors to fight.

These symbols helped ancient Greeks understand that war involved more than just violence. Ares represented the full spectrum of conflict – from the initial courage needed to face danger to the final consequences of battle.

Ares was a god of war, but not just any war. He was about the raw, chaotic parts of battle. Unlike gods like Athena, who focused on strategy, Ares was about the fury that could take over armies.

Despite living in a society deeply affected by war, Ares was not as central as other gods. This shows how ancient Greeks saw different kinds of conflict and war.

Ares was all about the intense emotions of war. He was about bloodlust, chaos, and the violence that happens when rules are broken. This was different from Athena, who valued planning and strategy.

Warriors called on Ares for courage in battle. But his influence could also lead to reckless actions that could ruin a campaign.

The god’s power was seen in the frenzy of soldiers in battle. This rage could make soldiers fierce, but also hard to control.

Ares didn’t plan battles, but his spirit shaped how armies fought. He inspired the boldness needed for success in war. Commanders knew that without Ares’ spirit, even the best plans could fail.

Armies that honored Ares were known for their bravery. But they also faced the dangers of unchecked anger.

Ares’ influence was a double-edged sword. Armies blessed by him fought with unmatched courage, but sometimes lacked the discipline for complex battles.

The reach of Ares wasn’t limited to just the roar of battlefields. Ancient Greeks sometimes saw his destructive power at work even in the spread of plagues and epidemics. Just as Ares could unleash chaos in war, people believed he could fuel devastation during outbreaks of disease—turning illness into another form of conflict.

In the midst of a city gripped by sickness, it was not uncommon to imagine the god’s hand stirring up suffering and confusion. The suffering caused by plagues was likened to the chaos he brought to battlefields, with communities left feeling under siege by an invisible enemy. This perspective reminded people that conflict and destruction could surface anywhere, not just in the clash of swords.

Ares was not as central in Greek culture as other gods. This shows their preference for strategic warfare over pure aggression. While Ares had great power, ancient Greeks valued victories won through discipline over those won by rage alone.

In Greek mythology, Ares is known for his role as a battle deity. His stories show a paradox: he was both respected and often defeated. These tales from Ancient Greece show that even gods have limits.

These stories are more than just tales. They give us a peek into ancient views on war, love, and aggression. Each myth teaches us about pride, passion, and the costs of conflict.

Ares was a key player in the Trojan War, but not always on the winning side. He fought for the Trojans, but his efforts were often thwarted. His involvement became a lesson in the dangers of divine interference in human battles.

During a key battle, Diomedes, with Athena’s help, wounded Ares. The god of war fled to Mount Olympus, leaving his allies behind. This event shocked both gods and mortals.

Zeus was unsympathetic to his son’s plight. He criticized Ares for his love of violence. This showed that even gods saw Ares’ war tactics as destructive.

The affair between Ares and Aphrodite is one of mythology’s most scandalous tales. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was married to Hephaestus. Yet, she was drawn to Ares’ passion and danger.

Their secret meetings were discovered by Helios, who told Hephaestus. Hephaestus then set a trap using invisible bronze chains.

When the lovers met again, they got caught in Hephaestus’ trap. Hephaestus invited all the gods to see their shame. The gods laughed at the trapped pair, turning their affair into public embarrassment.

“The gods burst into uncontrollable laughter at the sight of the two lovers caught in Hephaestus’ cunning trap.”

Despite being a powerful battle deity, Ares suffered several defeats. These stories teach that strength alone doesn’t win battles.

The giant twins Otus and Ephialtes captured Ares and kept him in a bronze jar for thirteen months. Hermes freed him, leaving Ares weakened and humiliated.

Ares was also defeated by Athena during the Trojan War. Athena’s strategic thinking beat Ares’ raw aggression. This showed the power of planning over brute force.

• Imprisonment by giants: Trapped in bronze jar for over a year
• Defeat by Diomedes: Wounded and forced to retreat from Troy
• Humiliation by Athena: Outmaneuvered through superior strategy
• Public shame: Exposed affair brought ridicule from fellow gods

These defeats highlight a key theme in Ancient Greece mythology. They show that unchecked aggression and violence can lead to downfall. Ares’ failures warn against letting passion and anger control us.

The myths also explore the complex nature of human experiences. They mix love and war, strategy and force, pride and humility. Through Ares’ stories, ancient storytellers showed the full range of conflict and its outcomes.

Ares, the Greek god of war, had some of the most complicated relationships with his family. His aggressive nature often clashed with the more strategic gods. This made his role in the pantheon and how mortals saw him very interesting.

His relationships were always tense and full of rivalry. Unlike Mars in Rome, Ares had trouble getting respect from his fellow gods. His family issues were deep and complex, going beyond simple sibling rivalry.

Ares and his father Zeus had a strained relationship. Zeus was disappointed in Ares’ brutal ways and lack of strategy. This made Ares feel unwelcome among the other gods.

Zeus preferred Athena’s smart warfare tactics over Ares’ chaotic methods. During battles, Zeus backed Athena’s plans, ignoring Ares’ direct attacks. This showed the value of wisdom over power in Greek culture.

Despite being Zeus’ son, Ares felt overshadowed by his siblings. He was “often overshadowed by more famous siblings,” showing the complex family dynamics. This made him even more aggressive in trying to prove himself.

The rivalry between Ares and Athena was a key part of Greek mythology. They both dealt with war, but in very different ways. Athena was all about smart military tactics, while Ares was about raw chaos.

Ares often seemed less than Athena, despite his strength. Athena’s wins showed the Greeks valued intelligence over brute force. This rivalry taught them about the right way to go to war.

The Ares symbolism in these battles showed the Greeks’ views on aggression versus strategy. Athena’s wins taught them to value wisdom and planning over violence. Their battles were a lesson in how to conduct war.

Ares’ aggressive nature led to many conflicts with other gods. His affair with Aphrodite caused a big fight with Hephaestus, who trapped them. This made Ares look bad and entertained the other gods.

He also fought with Artemis over hunting grounds and disagreed with Apollo on divine intervention. These fights made him seem unpredictable and difficult to deal with.

The difference between Greek Ares and Roman Mars showed how cultures viewed war differently. Mars was respected as a protector, but Ares was seen as an outsider. This showed different views on war and leadership.

These divine relationships taught mortals about Ares symbolism in their lives. Ares’ struggles with family acceptance mirrored human feelings of being misunderstood. His complex relationships taught valuable lessons about wisdom, strategy, and proper conduct in war and family.

Though Ares was a major figure in the Greek pantheon, his worship was surprisingly limited and scattered across the Greek world. You won’t find the grand temples and busy shrines that dotted the lands for Zeus or Athena—instead, worship of Ares was marked by select, sometimes peculiar, sites and practices.

Some notable places where Ares received honors include:

The Areopagus in Athens was a famous site for Ares. It was where Ares faced trial for killing Poseidon’s son. This site became linked with justice, not war.

In ancient Greece, only a few temples were dedicated to Ares. Archaeology shows that most built small shrines instead of grand temples. This shows the cautious respect Greeks had for their war god.

Sparta, known for its military culture, surprisingly didn’t have much devotion to Ares. They honored their local war deities and heroes instead.

The Areia festivals were the main celebrations for Ares. They happened in spring, when wars usually started. People offered sacrifices and performed rituals for protection in battles.

Rome’s festivals for Mars were much grander. They saw Mars as their war god and father. This led to big festivals like the Martius.

If you’re curious about the names:

• Greek Name: Αρης (Arês)
• Latin Spelling: Ares
• Roman Translation: Mars

So, while the Greeks called him Ares, the Romans embraced Mars as both a deity of war and a founding father, rolling out the red carpet (and probably a few chariots) in his honor.

Greek festivals were more subdued. They aimed to appease Ares, focusing on his protective side, not his destructive nature.

Today, Ares is remembered in various ways. Neo-pagan communities use his energy for courage and strength. These rituals focus on personal challenges, not war.

Military traditions worldwide honor war deities. Memorial services and veteran commemorations show the human need to find meaning in conflict and sacrifice.

Popular culture has brought Ares back into the spotlight through movies, books, and games. This has sparked discussions about war gods and human nature.

Ancient Greek pottery depicts Ares in full armor, often with other gods or creatures. These works set visual traditions that lasted for centuries. Roman sculptures show him as a strong warrior, highlighting his physical strength.

Yet, despite his prominent place in mythology, Ares was not always a popular subject for early Greek artists. The most ancient poets described him as a figure whose character was difficult to capture in art, and in fact, artistic representations of Ares are rare before the time of Alcamenes, the sculptor credited with shaping the classic image of the god. Existing Greek monuments featuring Ares are few; he most often appears on coins, reliefs, and engraved gems rather than in large-scale statues or temples. 

Across centuries, artists returned to Ares again and again. On Athenian red- and black-figure vases—from the 4th to 6th centuries B.C.—he appears in scenes with Aphrodite, Eros, and the Muses; feasting, kneeling beside Athena, or witnessing the birth of Athena herself. He joins the creation of Pandora, battles Giants and heroes like Heracles and Cadmus, and sits crowned with a wreath. Roman mosaics and wall frescoes from Pompeii and Antioch show Ares entwined with Aphrodite and Eros, or transformed as the boar that killed Adonis. Statues, whether marble or bronze, present him as Mars, the embodiment of military might.

Renaissance painters added emotional depth to his image. They captured moments of triumph and vulnerability. Artists like Botticelli showed him with Aphrodite, exploring love and war.

Through all these ages and mediums—vase, mosaic, fresco, sculpture, and canvas—Ares endures: armored and powerful, yet also a figure of mythic complexity.

His presence in art shows how societies see conflict and human nature. Artists use him to explore violence, courage, and war’s costs.

So, where did the vivid images of Ares come from in the first place? Greek and Roman authors didn’t leave us guessing when it came to describing the war god’s form and ferocity.

In Homer’s Iliad, Ares makes one of his earliest and most vivid appearances—not as a glorious hero, but as the most unpopular of the Olympians. While he’s technically the god of war, the way Homer paints him is far from flattering. He’s impulsive, often cowardly, and quick to flee when things get tough. In one scene, after being wounded, Ares lets out a scream so loud it’s said to echo like a thousand warriors crying out—and then runs to Zeus to complain, like a sulking child. Even the king of gods calls him alloprosallos, “the most changeful,” as if even Zeus is tired of his constant chaos.

And chaos is the word. Ares isn’t the calculating tactician like Athena, who represents strategy, wisdom, and the protection of cities. He’s the raw, destructive force of war—the clamor, the blood, the fear. He thrives in the noise and the madness, charging into battle without loyalty or foresight. Sometimes he fights for the Greeks, sometimes the Trojans. Often, he seems to just enjoy the fight itself.

While Homer’s depiction set the stage, Ares appears throughout a wide array of ancient literature, each author shaping his image in unique ways:

• Greek Epics and Hymns: Hesiod’s Theogony, the Homeric Hymns, and the Epic Cycle expand on Ares’s lineage, relationships, and myths. These works, dating from the 8th to 4th centuries B.C., add nuance to his role among the gods and mortals.

• Lyric and Tragic Poetry: Poets like Simonides, Stesichorus, and Sappho referenced Ares in their fragments, sometimes highlighting his destructive potential, sometimes his necessity in order and justice. The great tragedians—Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides—often invoked Ares as a symbol of war’s chaos or as a force behind fate’s unbending will.

• Historians and Philosophers: Herodotus and Plato mention Ares in passing, reflecting on how his mythology influenced Greek understanding of war and divine intervention.

• Roman Adaptations: Later Roman writers, including Ovid in his Metamorphoses and Virgil in the Aeneid, adopted Ares (as Mars) into their own mythologies, sometimes softening or recasting his character to fit Roman ideals of heroism and discipline.

Ares Through the Ages

Ares’s literary journey didn’t stop with the classical Greeks. From the travelogues of Pausanias to the poetic experiments of Nonnus and the retellings by Roman mythographers, his story was continually retold and reshaped. Each new generation of writers chose which aspects to emphasize: his raw violence, his role as a father, or his complex relationships with gods and mortals.

Whether depicted as a petulant brawler, a necessary force for balance, or a tragic figure misunderstood by his peers, Ares’s legacy in ancient literature is vast and varied—mirroring the ever-shifting attitudes toward war and conflict in human society.

Poetry often uses his image to explore conflict and aggression. Academic works study his role in ancient Greek society and warfare. These interpretations go beyond simple good vs. evil.

Fantasy literature views him as a complex anti-hero. Authors explore what drives him to embody war. They question if violence can serve a greater purpose.

Ancient literature and visual art offer complementary, yet distinct portraits of Ares. In the earliest stories, like those told by Homer and Hesiod, Ares is often described with striking imagery—towering, radiant in his armor, and exuding a fiery, intimidating presence. He rushes into battle, surrounded by fear and chaos, his very gaze likened to blazing fire. These vivid literary descriptions highlight his raw energy, unpredictability, and the terror he inspires not just among mortals, but even among the gods.

Artistic representations, meanwhile, bring Ares to life in a variety of dramatic scenes. On Greek pottery, he is typically shown in full battle regalia—shield, spear, and helmet—sometimes standing beside other gods or in moments of high drama, such as duels or feasts. Roman and later Greco-Roman works, from mosaics to statues, continue these themes, but often add elaborate detail to his armor and physique, emphasizing his strength, godly stature, and sometimes his connection to love and beauty through scenes with Aphrodite.

While literature often dwells on the aura of violence and fury that surrounds Ares, art captures both his martial prowess and his complex relationships. You’ll see him depicted both as an unstoppable force in chariot scenes or battles, and as a more vulnerable figure when paired with other deities. Renaissance painters later explored his emotional side too, immortalizing moments of tension and tenderness.

Together, these sources reveal a god who is both awe-inspiring and deeply flawed—a blend of brute force, vulnerability, and grandeur. Whether in the verses of epic poetry or the lines of a vase painting, artists and writers alike use Ares to ask big questions about conflict, power, and the dual nature of war.

War has a dual nature that Ares perfectly shows in Greek mythology. This war deity stands at the crossroads of destruction and protection. Unlike other gods, Ares doesn’t just represent good or evil.

Academic sources call him “a fierce and bloodthirsty deity – both feared, and revered by the Ancient Greeks.” This shows how the Greeks saw war. They knew war could both destroy and protect.

Ares shows that war is both destructive and necessary. His character reflects the ancient view that war can create and destroy. Warriors called on him to protect their families and homeland.

The Greeks believed war was sometimes needed to defend justice and freedom. Ares showed them that courage and brutality often go together on the battlefield.

Yet, Ares also represented the savage side of war that people feared. His bloodlust reminded Greeks that war could destroy all that is good. This made him more realistic than gods who only showed war’s glory.

Warriors both called on Ares for courage and feared his influence. They knew his blessing could lead to victory or destruction. This paradox made soldiers respect the true nature of combat.

The war deity showed the thin line between bravery and violence. Greek soldiers knew that the same rage that made them brave could also make them cruel. Ares taught them that warfare needed both strength and wisdom.

His dual nature taught ancient Greeks to respect war’s power. Those who only saw the violent side faced terrible consequences. Those who ignored his influence were unprepared for the harsh realities of war.

Mythological stories show Ares’ influence often led to unnecessary casualties. His presence in battles often caused more destruction than needed. These tales warned about war’s true costs.

The stories involving Ares show violence breeds more violence. Conflicts he influenced rarely ended cleanly, creating new grievances and future wars. Ancient Greeks used these myths to understand the cycle of violence.

Through Ares, mythology taught that seeking peaceful solutions is better when possible. His stories reminded people that even necessary wars come with heavy prices. The battle deity showed that victory in conflict often feels hollow when measured against its human cost.

The ancient Greek god Ares has found new life in today’s entertainment. Modern creators have turned this Olympian god into a complex character. They show him as more than just a bloodthirsty warrior.

These new versions of Ares make him relatable to today’s audiences. They understand the real costs of war. Creative works now present him as a tragic figure, shaped by the violence he represents.

Hollywood has made Ares a compelling antagonist in several major productions. The 2017 film Wonder Woman featured him as the primary villain, played by David Thewlis. This version showed Ares as a manipulative force, influencing human conflict from the shadows.

Television series have also given Ares memorable appearances. Hercules: The Legendary Journeys featured Kevin Smith as a recurring Ares character. The show explored his relationship with his half-brother Hercules and showed glimpses of vulnerability beneath his warrior exterior.

The popular YouTube series Destripando la Historia shows Ares’s enduring appeal. Their musical interpretation, inspired by Imagine Dragons’ “Warriors,” has reached millions of viewers. It has sparked renewed interest in Greek mythology among younger generations.

Interactive entertainment has provided some of the most compelling modern portrayals of Ares. The God of War franchise made him a central figure in Kratos’ story. Players witness his complex relationship with the protagonist and experience the consequences of divine warfare.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey allows players to encounter Ares in ancient Greece. He appears as a formidable opponent with deep connections to the game’s mythology. The interactive format lets players explore his personality through dialogue and combat encounters.

The indie hit Hades presents a more sympathetic version of Ares as Zagreus’ uncle. This portrayal emphasizes family dynamics among the Olympian gods. It shows Ares as someone who genuinely cares about his nephew’s success, despite his warlike nature.

Comic book publishers have made Ares a recurring character in various mythological storylines. DC Comics features him prominently as one of Wonder Woman’s most persistent enemies. These stories often explore the philosophical conflict between Diana’s message of peace and Ares’ embodiment of war.

Marvel Comics has also utilized Ares in multiple storylines, sometimes as an antagonist and other times as an unlikely ally. Their version often struggles with his nature as a god of war in a modern world that has moved beyond ancient conflicts.

Independent publishers have created innovative interpretations of Ares in graphic novels. These works reimagine Greek mythology for contemporary readers. They frequently focus on the psychological toll of constant warfare and the isolation that comes with being feared.

These modern interpretations have successfully transformed Ares from a one-dimensional war god into a character that resonates with contemporary audiences. By exploring themes of trauma, family dysfunction, and the moral complexity of conflict, creators have made this ancient deity relevant to modern storytelling. The evolution of his character reflects our own changing relationship with war and violence in the 21st century.

The stories of Ares teach us about conflict and human nature. Greek mythology shows him as both a destroyer and a protector. This teaches us about the role of force in society.

Ares symbolism teaches us about warfare and aggression. His myths highlight the difference between defense and destructive violence. The ancient Greeks used these stories to explore military ethics and combat psychology.

Today, we can apply these lessons to understand when conflict is necessary. And when it becomes harmful.

Academic sources ask why Ares wasn’t more central to Greek worship. Despite warfare defining ancient society, his influence was limited. This shows deeper cultural attitudes toward conflict.

Today, his influence is seen in military traditions and support for veterans. His dual nature reflects debates about military intervention and maintaining peace.

Ares teaches us that true strength is not just in fighting. It’s in knowing when to fight. His stories guide us in personal disputes and international relations.

Greek mythology reminds us to understand our aggressive impulses. This is the first step toward controlling them and building peace.