Ares: The God of War - (Greek Mythology Explained)

Summary

This video explores the Greek god of war, Ares, delving into his mythology, rivalries, and significance within ancient Greek culture. Ares, the son of Zeus and Hera, embodied the chaotic and destructive aspects of war. Although worshiped by the Spartans, he was generally unpopular in Greece, overshadowed by Athena, who represented a more balanced approach to war. The script also compares Ares to his Roman counterpart, Mars, who was seen as a protector and peacekeeper. Through stories of his affairs, conflicts, and failures in battles like the Trojan War, the video provides an insightful look into Ares' complex character and role in ancient mythology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ares, the Greek god of war, was one of the twelve Olympian deities and the son of Zeus and Hera.
• 😀 Ares was associated with the brutal and chaotic aspects of war, which made him a controversial figure in Greek mythology.
• 😀 While Ares had worshippers in Sparta, where he was revered as the ideal soldier, his worship was generally limited compared to other gods like Athena.
• 😀 Ares and Athena were bitter rivals in Greek mythology, with Athena being considered superior for her balance of wisdom and strength in warfare.
• 😀 Ares' actions in Greek myths often revolved around conflict, with notable involvement in the Trojan War, where he sided with the Trojans but was eventually wounded by Diomedes.
• 😀 Ares fathered several children, including Phobos (Fear), Deimos (Terror), Harmonia (Goddess of Harmony), and possibly Eros (God of Love).
• 😀 One of Ares' most famous myths involves his affair with Aphrodite, which led to his embarrassing capture by her husband, Hephaestus, using a magical net.
• 😀 The Amazons, a legendary warrior tribe, were said to be descendants of Ares, with Hippolyta being one of the most famous members.
• 😀 In some stories, Ares was tricked and trapped in a bronze jar by the Aloadae giants, but later escaped and witnessed their demise due to their own foolishness.
• 😀 Ares' Roman counterpart, Mars, was viewed very differently, being highly respected and considered a protector and peacekeeper, unlike Ares, who was seen as a necessary evil in Greek mythology.

Q & A

Who is Ares in Greek mythology?

Ares is the Greek god of war, son of Zeus and Hera. He embodies the chaos and brutality of war, representing its necessity and unpredictability.

What was Ares' relationship with Athena?

Ares and Athena were rivals. While Ares represented the destructive and chaotic aspects of war, Athena embodied a more balanced and strategic approach to warfare, being calm, intelligent, and skilled in combat.

Why was Ares not widely worshipped in ancient Greece?

Ares was not widely worshipped because his attributes were seen as negative by many Greeks. While war was necessary, Ares was associated with destruction and bloodshed, making him less popular compared to Athena, who was considered the more honorable and balanced figure.

What is the significance of Ares' son Harmonia?

Harmonia, daughter of Ares and Aphrodite, represents the balance between love and war. She is associated with harmony and is best known for the cursed necklace she received at her wedding, which was said to bring misfortune to those who possessed it.

How does Ares compare to his Roman counterpart, Mars?

While Ares was seen as a necessary but destructive force in Greek mythology, Mars in Roman mythology was revered as a protector and a peacekeeper, embodying the ideal of toughness and military valor. The Romans viewed war as a way to maintain peace, unlike the Greeks, who often associated war with chaos.

What is the story of Ares' affair with Aphrodite?

Ares had an affair with Aphrodite, which was discovered by the Titan Helios. Hephaestus, Aphrodite's husband, created an invisible net to trap them in the act, humiliating the couple when the gods witnessed the affair.

What is the role of Ares in the Trojan War?

In the Trojan War, Ares initially sided with the Trojans after being convinced by Aphrodite. He was wounded by Diomedes, with Athena's help, and was forced to retreat. Later, when he tried to rejoin the battle, he was once again thwarted by Athena.

What role did Ares' children play in mythology?

Ares' children, such as Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Terror), were personifications of war-related emotions. He also fathered Harmonia and possibly Eros, the god of love, highlighting the intertwining of love and war in his legacy.

What was the connection between Ares and the Amazons?

The Amazons were said to be descendants of Ares. They were a female warrior tribe, with the most famous example being Hippolyta, who received a magical girdle from Ares that symbolized her strength and authority.

How did the Greeks and Romans differ in their perception of Ares and Mars?

The Greeks viewed Ares as a destructive and violent god of war, whereas the Romans saw Mars as a noble and respected figure, embodying the virtues of strength, manliness, and peacekeeping through war. This contrast reflects the differing cultural values of Greece and Rome.