Greek mythology is brimming with intriguing deities, and one of the most enigmatic figures in this pantheon is Ares, the god of war. Often overshadowed by the likes of Zeus and Athena, Ares has a fascinating backstory and a character full of perplexities and burstiness. In this article, we’re going to delve into 15 fun facts about Ares that will shed light on the lesser-known aspects of this god’s mythology. So, grab your metaphorical sword and shield as we embark on this mythological adventure.

1. Ares’ Unpopular Birth

  1. Unwanted Child: Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera, but his birth wasn’t a joyous occasion. In fact, his mother, Hera, detested him from the moment he was born. This lack of maternal love set the tone for Ares’ tumultuous life.
  2. A God of Violence: From a young age, Ares displayed a penchant for violence and bloodshed. He was often referred to as the “God of War,” but his reckless and destructive nature earned him a somewhat sinister reputation.
  3. Hated by the Olympians: Ares wasn’t a favorite among his fellow Olympian gods either. His impulsive and chaotic behavior didn’t endear him to many, which made him somewhat of an outcast in the divine hierarchy.

2. Ares and Aphrodite’s Scandalous Affair

  1. Forbidden Love: One of the most famous stories involving Ares is his affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. This union was considered scandalous, as Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, the god of craftsmanship. Their secret love affair was a hot topic among the gods.
  2. Caught in the Act: Ares and Aphrodite’s affair was eventually exposed when Hephaestus crafted an ingenious trap to catch them red-handed. The scandal that ensued added more layers to Ares’ complex character.
  3. Symbol of Passion: This affair paints Ares as a god driven by intense passion and desire, not just a ruthless warrior. It humanizes him, showcasing his emotions and vulnerabilities.

3. Ares’ Dual Personality

  1. War and Peace: Ares had a dual nature. While he was the god of war, he was also considered the god of peace. This contradiction in his portfolio reflects the complexity of human emotions and the duality of our own desires for peace and conflict.
  2. Conflicted Character: Ares’ contradictory role highlights the inner struggles many people face, torn between their desires for both peace and chaos. This human aspect of his character adds depth to his mythology.
  3. Warrior and Lover: Ares’ portrayal as both a fierce warrior and a passionate lover embodies the human experience, where individuals can be multifaceted and complex, with contrasting traits.

4. Ares’ Role in Battle

  1. Ares’ Weapon of Choice: Ares was often depicted wielding a spear and a helmet. His weapons of choice symbolize his readiness for battle and his relentless pursuit of conflict.
  2. Battlefield Presence: Ares was believed to actively participate in battles, inciting fear and frenzy among soldiers. His presence on the battlefield was considered both terrifying and exhilarating.
  3. Inspiring Warriors: Soldiers would invoke Ares’ name before heading into battle, seeking his favor and protection. This shows the belief in his power to sway the tide of war.

5. Ares’ Offspring

  1. Fearful Progeny: Ares had numerous offspring, many of whom were associated with violence and war. His children included Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Terror), reinforcing his connection to the horrors of war.
  2. Harmonia: Surprisingly, Ares was also the father of Harmonia, the goddess of harmony and concord. This juxtaposition of violence and harmony in his offspring is perplexing and thought-provoking.
  3. War and Peace in One Family: Ares’ children represent the dichotomy of war and peace, emphasizing the complexity of life and relationships.

6. Ares and the Amazons

  1. Amazons’ Patron God: Ares was the patron god of the Amazons, a tribe of warrior women. His affiliation with this fierce group further solidified his image as a god of war and conflict.
  2. Empowering Women: Ares’ connection with the Amazons highlights his support for female warriors, challenging traditional gender roles in ancient Greece.
  3. Symbol of Female Strength: Ares’ association with the Amazons underscores the idea that war and courage are not limited to one gender, emphasizing the diversity of human capabilities.

7. Ares’ Rare Worship

  1. Limited Shrines: Ares did not have as many temples and shrines dedicated to him as other gods like Zeus or Athena. This is an intriguing aspect of his character, as it hints at his polarizing nature.
  2. Private Worship: Worship of Ares was often done in a more private and personal manner, reflecting the intimate and personal connection people had with the god of war.
  3. Minor Festivals: Ares had fewer festivals in his honor compared to other gods, making his worship less public and more individualistic.
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8. Ares’ Roman Equivalent

  1. Mars, the Roman Ares: In Roman mythology, Ares found his counterpart in Mars, the god of war. Mars inherited many of Ares’ attributes and characteristics.
  2. Cultural Influence: Ares’ influence extended beyond Greek mythology, shaping the Roman perception of warfare and conflict. This cross-cultural connection adds depth to his legacy.
  3. Mars’ Dual Role: Similar to Ares, Mars was associated with both war and peace, highlighting the enduring appeal of this complex deity.

9. Ares’ Role in the Trojan War

  1. Ares and the Trojan War: Ares played a significant role in the Trojan War, siding with the Trojans. His support for Troy underscored his preference for conflict and chaos.
  2. Contrasting Deities: In contrast, Athena favored the Greeks, highlighting the divine rivalry and complex relationships among the gods.
  3. Symbol of Unpredictability: Ares’ involvement in the Trojan War symbolizes the unpredictable nature of conflict, where even the gods’ loyalties are divided.

10. Ares’ Cult in Thrace

  1. Cult of Ares in Thrace: Ares had a strong cult following in Thrace, a region known for its fierce warriors. This cult emphasized his connection to martial prowess and the warrior’s way of life.
  2. Thracian Horseman: Ares was often depicted as a Thracian horseman, reflecting his popularity and significance in this region.
  3. Regional Variations: Ares’ varying roles in different cultures and regions reveal his adaptability and the different facets of his character.

11. Ares’ Role in Greek Tragedies

  1. Tragic Hero: Ares frequently appeared in Greek tragedies, often as a tragic figure caught in the web of his own desires and the consequences of war.
  2. Moral Lessons: These tragic portrayals of Ares served as cautionary tales, warning against the destructive nature of violence and unchecked aggression.
  3. Humanizing the God: Ares’ appearances in Greek tragedies humanized him, showing that even gods can experience the same pitfalls and sufferings as mortals.

12. Ares’ Unconventional Parentage

  1. Born from Hera Alone: In some versions of the myth, Ares was believed to have been conceived by Hera without the involvement of Zeus. This peculiar origin adds an extra layer of perplexity to his character.
  2. Symbol of Independence: Ares’ unconventional parentage can be seen as a symbol of his independence and defiance, challenging traditional family dynamics.
  3. Champion of the Outcasts: This variation of Ares’ birth highlights his role as a champion for those who don’t conform to societal norms.

13. Ares’ Shield-Bearer

  1. Kydoimos, the Shield-Bearer: Ares had a companion named Kydoimos, who was often depicted as a shield-bearer. This association reinforces Ares’ connection to warfare.
  2. Symbol of Protection: Kydoimos’ role as a shield-bearer signifies Ares’ protective aspect, as warriors would look to him for safeguarding on the battlefield.
  3. Unity in War: Ares’ partnership with Kydoimos showcases the unity and camaraderie often found in war, where soldiers rely on each other for protection and support.

14. Ares’ Role in the Iliad

  1. Iliad’s Battle Scenes: Ares was prominently featured in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad, where he actively participated in battles and rallied the Trojans.
  2. Divine Interference: Ares’ interference in mortal affairs highlighted the influence of the gods on human destinies, blurring the lines between the divine and the earthly.
  3. Ares’ Impact: His presence in the Iliad left an indelible mark on the portrayal of war in ancient Greek literature, shaping how war was perceived.

15. Ares’ Legacy

  1. Enduring God of War: Despite his complex nature and the controversies surrounding him, Ares remains a significant figure in Greek mythology, representing the enduring fascination with war and its effects on humanity.
  2. Symbol of Human Conflict: Ares’ character embodies the dichotomy of human nature, where the desire for both peace and conflict coexist.
  3. Timeless Paradox: Ares continues to perplex and captivate us, reminding us that even the gods themselves are not immune to the burstiness and perplexity of life.

Conclusion

Ares, the god of war in Greek mythology, is a deity rich in perplexity and burstiness. His enigmatic character, tumultuous relationships, and complex nature make him a figure worth exploring. From his controversial birth to his role in epic tales like the Trojan War and the Iliad, Ares showcases the multifaceted aspects of human existence, where war and peace, love and violence, and protection and destruction intertwine. His legacy endures as a reminder of the ever-present paradoxes in our own lives, where the desire for harmony and conflict coexists, much like the ever-contradictory Ares himself.

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