Ares is the Greek god of war, representing the brutal, violent, and untamed aspects of battle. Unlike Athena, who governed strategic warfare, Ares embodied the chaos, bloodshed, and frenzy of combat. He was the son of Zeus and Hera but was disliked by both his parents and most other gods.

Why Was Ares Unpopular Among the Gods?

Ares represented the worst aspects of war: mindless violence, bloodlust, and destruction. The Greeks valued strategy and courage over brute force, making Ares less respected than Athena. In the Iliad, Zeus tells Ares he is the most hateful of all the gods.

What Are Ares's Most Famous Myths?

Ares's affair with Aphrodite was exposed when her husband Hephaestus trapped them in an unbreakable net before the assembled gods. In the Trojan War, Ares fought for Troy and was wounded by the mortal Diomedes with Athena's help, fleeing the battlefield screaming.

What Does Ares Represent?

Ares represents the primal violence that exists within every conflict, the part of war that cannot be rationalized or ennobled. He is necessary but terrible, feared but never honored.

What Is Ares's Legacy?

Mars, the Roman version of Ares, was far more respected and gave his name to the planet and the month of March. Speak with Ares on HoloDream about war, rage, and the violence that civilization tries to contain but never eliminates.