Ares, god of war, is known for his fierce nature. The Greek god often figures in old sculptures and ceramics as a powerful deity equipped with a spear and a shield. Is this battle-hungry god entirely destructive? Besides the raw bloodlust experienced in war, what does the god Ares represent?
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Table of Contents
Origins of the God of War Ares
In Greek mythology, Ares is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, by his consort Hera. However, the Greeks considered him to have originated not from Greece but from Thrace, a historical region lying next to the Black Sea and the Balkan Mountains. Ares later stood as the god of warfare among the original twelve gods of Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece.
Despite his superior parentage, Ares was not as highly revered as other Olympian gods. His aggressive and violent nature often brought him into conflict with deities and mortals alike. His contentious relationship with his parents, particularly with Zeus, further highlights his tumultuous character.
From С. И. Сосновский, CC BY-SA 4.0
Physical Appearance of the God of War Ares
As shown in ancient vase paintings and sculptures, Ares is a strong, muscular man, being a god who embodies physical power and combativeness. He typically wears a bronze helmet, often crested with horsehair, and carries a spear, sometimes a shield as well. With glistening armor, he appears in dynamic poses that convey his aggressive nature, ready to leap into battle.
In some depictions, Ares rides a chariot, emphasizing his role as a warrior deity leading troops into battle.
Symbols of the God of War Ares
Several symbols distinguish the god Ares in arts and ancient literature. These symbols typically reflect his martial nature and the aspects of conflict that he embodies.
1. Spear or Sword
The spear is a common symbol of Ares, and represents his role as a warrior ready for battle. In addition to the spear, Ares sometimes appeared with a sword, emphasizing his prowess in hand-to-hand combat.
2. Armor
A bronze armor also identifies Ares. His helmet, often crested with horsehair, is a key symbol of his identity as a warrior god.
From George E. Koronaios, CC BY-SA 4.0
3. Shield
Another important symbol of Ares is the shield, which signifies defense and the protection of warriors in the battlefield.
4. Vultures
There are also animals that represent Ares. In particular, the vulture is associated with the god of war. This bird of prey is a symbol of death and the aftermath of battle, where vultures scavenge on the dead.
5. Dogs
Dogs are likewise linked to Ares. The god of war was one of only two deities to whom dogs were traditionally offered in sacrifice (the other being Hekate). The most valiant of tame animals was a fitting symbol for the most valiant of gods.
6. Chariot
Ares is sometimes depicted riding a chariot, pulled by fire-breathing horses. This chariot symbolizes his role as a leader in war and his active participation in conflicts.
From Yair Haklai, CC BY-SA 2.5
7. Wild Boar
In some stories, the wild boar is associated with Ares. He supposedly transformed himself into the boar that killed Aphrodite’s lover, Adonis. The creature also signifies his untamed and ferocious nature.
8. Torch
Used to set cities and battlefields on fire, the torch is also a symbol associated with Ares. Illuminating the devastation of war, the torch represents the destruction that Ares brings.
9. Dragon
In certain tales, Ares is linked to a dragon or serpent. Better known as the Ismenian dragon, the giant serpent guarded the sacred spring of the war god. This creature embodied the fear he instills in others.
Famous Stories of the God of War Ares
The god Ares figures in several famous stories from Ancient Greece. These tales often portray him as a powerful yet violent figure, whose presence underscores the brutal aspects of conflict.
1. Affair with Aphrodite
Ares is famously known for his affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Despite her marriage to Hephaestus, Aphrodite and Ares had a passionate relationship, which led to several children. This illicit affair was exposed when Hephaestus trapped the lovers in a finely woven net and displayed them to the other gods, to the embarrassment and ridicule of both Ares and Aphrodite.
Due to this affair with his wife, Hephaestus, the god of blacksmiths and craftsmen, had a strained relationship with Ares.
2. Ares in the Trojan War
Ares actively participated in the Trojan War. He sided with the Trojans against the Greeks. Though he fought fiercely on the battlefield, Aries was ultimately wounded by the Greek hero Diomedes, with the assistance of Athena, who guided Diomedes’ spear. Ares’ involvement in the war embodies the indiscriminate nature of human conflict.
3. Ares vs. Athena
Ares thus often found himself in direct opposition to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare. While Ares represented brute force and chaos in battle, Athena symbolized strategy, discipline and the intellectual aspects of warfare. Their contrasting approaches often put them at odds, as seen during the Trojan War.
4. Capture by the Aloadae Giants
In another story, the Aloadae giants captured Ares. Otus and Ephialtes, who were the sons of Poseidon, trapped the god of war in a bronze jar for thirteen months. Ares would have died had not Hermes, the messenger of the gods, rescued him. This tale highlights Ares’ vulnerability despite his formidable nature as a war god.
From Χρήστης Templar52
5. The Trial of Ares
Ares stood trial for the murder of Halirrhothius, the son of Poseidon, after Halirrhothius attempted to rape Ares’ daughter, Alcippe. Ares killed Halirrhothius in defense of his daughter and was acquitted by a jury of gods on a rocky outcrop in Athens. Consequently named the Areopagus or “Hill of Ares,” the site later became a significant legal center in the city. This story underscored Ares’ willingness to take mortal lives to defend his children and honor.
6. Conflict with Heracles
Ares frequently clashed with the famous Greek hero Heracles. In one instance, Heracles killed Ares’ son Cycnus, who had been terrorizing travelers. Enraged, Ares fought Heracles, but was defeated. Such a story illustrates the tension between Ares and the Greek heroes.
7. Son of the King and Queen of Gods
As the son of Zeus and Hera, Ares had a complex relationship with his parents. Zeus, in particular, was not fond of Ares’ destructive nature, and often rebuked him for the chaos he brought. Hera, although protective, also had a tumultuous relationship with her warlike son.
8. Battle with the Amazons
Ares is often linked to the Amazons, the warrior women who, in some stories, were his daughters or followers. Their fierce and warlike nature reflected Ares’ own, and he supported them in their battles.
In one particular version of the story, Ares is the father of the Amazonian queen Penthesilea. She led her warrior women into battle during the Trojan War and was killed by Achilles. This connection further ties Ares to the themes of warfare and valor, even through his progeny.
9. Ares and His Dragon
In another famous story, Cadmus, the founder of Thebes, killed a dragon that was sacred to Ares. To atone for this act, Cadmus served Ares for eight years.
Historical Worship of the God of War Ares
While not as widely revered as other gods, Ares still had cults and rituals dedicated to him in various regions of Greece. Due to his association with the more violent aspects of warfare, the historical worship of Ares was distinct from those of other deities. Ares’ worship was closely tied to the martial aspects of ancient Greek society. His rites and ceremonies reflected the reverence for war and the desire for strength and victory in battle.
From Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0
Temples and Sanctuaries
Ares had relatively few temples. There was one dedicated to him in Athens. Although relatively modest compared to those of other major gods, this temple served as a place where warriors could offer Ares sacrifices before battle. In the city of Sparta, which has a militaristic society, Ares held a more prominent role. The Spartans had a sanctuary dedicated to him, and they worshiped him in their rigorous training and martial culture, often invoking his favor for victory in battle.
From Marie-Lan Nguyen, CC BY 4.0
Sacrifices and Offerings
Typical sacrifices for Ares included animals such as goats, roosters and dogs. In some rituals, the blood of the sacrificed victims was used in ceremonies.
Festivals and Rituals
There were festivals and rituals dedicated to Ares. Before battles, militaries would hold rituals where soldiers sought the favor of the god of war. They would invoke his blessings for courage and victory.
Centers of Worship
Ares was particularly revered in Thrace, which was known for its warrior culture. The region was believed to be his birthplace. Scythia was even more famous for their worship of Ares. They sacrificed every hundredth war-captive to the god of war, who was represented by an iron sword.
From Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0
Statues and Altars
Statues of Ares, often depicted in full armor with a spear and shield, stood in temples and public spaces. Along with altars dedicated to him, these statues served as focal points for worship and offerings.
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Spread of the God Ares’ Cult
The cult of Ares was less widespread and prominent compared to other major deities – like Zeus, Athena and Apollo. Still, Ares’ following did have significant regional centers, particularly in areas with strong martial traditions like Sparta and Thrace. His worship reflected local values and needs related to war.
1. Thrace
In Thrace, Ares had a significant following. The Thracians were known for their warrior culture, and Ares was often associated with their warlike nature. The Greeks believed Ares to be a native god of the region’s tribes.
From George E. Koronaios, CC BY-SA 4.0
2. Athens
Despite Athens being more known for its patronage of Athena, there was a cult of Ares there. Ares had an altar on the Areopagus, a rocky outcrop that was also the site of the ancient council of elders in Athens. Additionally, an ancient temple dedicated to Ares existed in the Agora of Athens.
3. Sparta
Ares was particularly revered in Sparta, where his warrior attributes aligned with the militaristic nature of Spartan society. Spartans regularly performed rituals and sacrifices to honor him.
4. Boeotia
In Boeotia, where the Ismenian dragon supposedly guarded a spring, Ares had a cult following. The spring near the city of Thebes was sacred to the god of war.
5. Tegea
In the city of Tegea in Arcadia, Ares had a sanctuary, and was honored in local rituals. Here the war god’s worship was particularly notable for a religious feast unusually exclusive to women.
6. Colchis
Ares was worshiped in Colchis, a region located east of the Black Sea. It was here that a famous ram was sacrificed to Ares and its golden fleece hung in a grove sacred to him.
7. Argos
Although not as prominent as in other cities, Ares was worshiped in Argos. Near the city of Argolis was a temple dedicated to both him and Aphrodite.
From Marcus Cyron, CC BY-SA 3.0
8. Roman Empire
The Romans syncretized the Greek god Ares with their god Mars. The Roman Empire’s vast expanse helped in spreading his worship far beyond Greek territories, although Mars remained generally more widely venerated than Ares.
Influence of the God of War Ares on Greek Society
Through his embodiment of the warrior spirit, Ares significantly influenced Greek society. His attributes of courage, aggression and physical prowess were idealized in societies that valued martial power, particularly Sparta. Thus, despite his often-negative portrayals, Ares served as a role model for Greek warriors, and encouraged them to strive for excellence in combat.
On the other hand, Ares’ contrast with Athena reflected a broader societal view on war. While Ares stood for chaotic and brutal combat, Athena represented strategic and just warfare. This duality embodied the Greeks’ attitudes towards conflict.
The God of War Ares in Later Cultures
Ares’ influence extends far beyond ancient Greece. Worship of the god of war found its way into later cultures, reflecting humanity’s complex relationship with violence and heroism.
From Carole Raddato, CC BY-SA 2.0
1. Roman Culture
In Roman religion, Ares was assimilated with the god Mars, whose worship was a key element of Roman state religion. Soldiers often invoked Mars before battles, and his popularity reflected Rome’s expansionist values.
However, Mars was not just a symbol of military power but also a god of agriculture and civic duty. His assimilation with Ares imbued the latter’s image with the same duality that made Mars more revered in Roman culture than Ares was in Greek society.
2. Renaissance
During the Renaissance, classical mythology experienced a revival. Artists and writers in Europe drew on ancient beliefs for inspiration, and Ares appeared in numerous works of art, where he represented war and conflict. However, renaissance art frequently portrayed Ares in a more sophisticated manner, blending his martial aspects with themes of love and beauty through his connection with Aphrodite.
From Baldwin Saintilus, CC BY 2.0
The God of War Ares in the Modern World
Although an ancient god, Ares continues to have a significant presence in the modern world. He has appeared in various literary works, films and television series. Artists of contemporary society continue to use his image. Indeed, as a symbol of war and conflict, Ares remains relevant, reflecting humanity’s ongoing engagement with themes of aggression, power and the complexities of warfare.
The God of War Ares in Human Behavior
In human behavior, particularly as analyzed by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, Ares manifests in the archetype of the Warrior. This archetype represents the aggressive and protective aspects of human nature, reflecting the eternal presence of conflict and the human capacity for combat.
Why Worship the God of War Ares
Is Ares worth worshiping? Some modern neopagans choose to honor Ares as part of their spiritual practice, and there are several reasons that make him a deity worthy of their worship.
1. Courage and Bravery
Ares embodies courage and the willingness to face challenges head-on. Those who value bravery might find inspiration in worshiping him.
2. Protection and Strength
As a protector in battles, Ares symbolizes strength and resilience. Worshiping him might appeal to those seeking protection in dangerous situations or empowerment during personal challenges.
3. Warrior Spirit
For individuals in military professions, martial arts or roles requiring a strong warrior spirit, Ares may represent the ideals of martial prowess and determination.
How to Worship the God of War Ares
If one decides to, how does he worship Ares? In this day and age, worship of Ares may not necessarily involve the very old practices of ancient Greece, but can consist in the adaptation of traditional practices to contemporary contexts.
1. Create a Sacred Space
Set up an altar dedicated to Ares. Include symbols such as a spear, helmet, shield or images of Ares. Use colors associated with the war god, particularly red.
2. Prayer and Invocation
Write or recite prayers invoking Ares’ protection, strength and courage. Addressing him with respect, ask for his guidance in facing challenges. For example, you can say –
“Hail Ares, mighty god of war, guardian of courage and strength. I call upon you to grant me the bravery to face my battles, and the strength to protect those in need.”
3. Offerings
While ancient offerings to Ares consisted of blood sacrifice, today one can offer red wine, meat or symbolic items, like red candles or incense.
4. Rituals
Perform rituals that resonate with Ares’ warrior spirit. This could involve physical activities such as martial arts, exercises or even symbolic battles. Thus, you can do shadowboxing, or a workout.
5. Seasonal Celebrations
While specific festivals for Ares are less documented, you can create your own based on historical practices. Consider celebrating during the ancient Greek month of Boedromion, falling from September to October, when festive martial activities took place.
You can also incorporate modern holidays to honor Ares, or create new ones. For instance, use Veteran’s Day or similar holidays as a time to honor Ares along with modern-day soldiers.
6. Community and Fellowship
Find like-minded individuals. Connect with others who honor Ares, or are interested in Greek mythology. Online forums, social media groups and local pagan communities can be great venues.
7. Group Rituals
If possible, participate in or organize group rituals to honor Ares. Shared worship can enhance the sense of community and mutual support.
8. Meditation
Sit quietly and meditate on the qualities of Ares that you wish to embody, such as bravery and strength. Visualize yourself as a warrior prepared to face life’s battles.
Living like the God of War Ares
An even better way to worship Ares is to embody his positive qualities and live like Ares in the modern world. How does one live like Ares in today’s reality?
1. Cultivate Physical Fitness
Engage in activities that build physical strength and resilience. Observe a consistent fitness routine that includes strength training, cardio and flexibility exercises. This builds physical resilience, and mirrors Ares’ dedication to physical prowess. For example, you can start your day with a rigorous workout, such as weightlifting, running or martial arts practice.
2. Martial Arts
Learn and practice a form of martial arts. This not only develops physical skills but also instills discipline, focus and self-control.
3. Develop Mental Toughness
Confront personal challenges head-on. This could be anything from pursuing difficult goals to handling personal setbacks with determination.
For this purpose, it would be helpful to learn techniques to manage stress and maintain composure under pressure, such as mindfulness meditation or deep-breathing exercises. Spend a few minutes in meditation or visualization, focusing on courage, strength and the challenges you aim to overcome.
4. Embrace Bravery
Embrace challenges and confront fears, thus embodying the courage that Ares represents. Approach your tasks with discipline and determination, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. Take calculated risks, whether in your career, personal life or hobbies.
5. Stand Up for Others
Take on the role of a protector in your community. Stand up for those who need help. This could involve advocating for someone, defending a just cause, or volunteering in your community. Watch out for opportunities to support colleagues, friends or community members.
6. Foster a Strong Community
Whether in your workplace, community or social groups, act as a leader and team player. Support and inspire those around you. Guide and mentor them, so they would develop their own strengths and resilience.
7. Engage in Symbolic Acts
Incorporate personal rituals that honor Ares’ qualities, such as lighting a candle before a challenging task or wearing a piece of jewelry associated with the god of war.
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8. Live with Honor
Be honest in your dealings with others. Take responsibility for your actions and their consequences. Be accountable and reliable in both personal and professional contexts.
9. Reflection
Regularly reflect on your progress in incorporating Ares’ qualities into your life. Consider how you can better embody the qualities of courage, strength and honor. Use a journal to document your personal growth.
Balancing the Energy of the God of War Ares
Given Ares’ representation of aggression and war, it’s important to balance his fiery energy with wisdom and compassion. Avoid the pitfalls of reckless aggression that made the god of war less popular among gods and mortals. One has to approach problems methodically and plan his actions carefully.
Moreover, avoid glorifying unnecessary violence or conflict. Recognize when aggression is counterproductive, and learn to channel your energy positively. Respect the sanctity of life, and keep rituals from involving actual harm.
Fearless as the God of War Ares
The presence of Ares in war was believed to inspire fearlessness and combat prowess among warriors. His archetype has persisted into modern times, where Ares has influenced contemporary depictions of war gods and warriors. It is a good thing to embody the courage, strength and protectiveness of Ares, though one has to be mindful of his reckless and violent traits.
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Ares in a Novel
The author wrote this article as he worked on a novel, whose major character was inspired by Ares. The novel reveals the warrior god’s characteristics in a fictional setting. However, this book is still in its fourth draft. In the meantime, you can delve into the author’s existing nonfiction work, Power Birthstone, and discover the hidden meanings of your birthstone and zodiac gems.
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