Ares, the god of war. Born into the illustrious lineage of Zeus and Hera, Ares played a pivotal role in various myths and legends, leaving a lasting impact on both mortals and immortals alike. In this article, we delve into the captivating tales surrounding Ares, shedding light on his birth, epic adventures, scandalous affairs, and his connection to other deities.

The story of Ares begins with his birth as one of the Twelve Olympians, the most powerful gods of Greek Mythology. As the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Hera, the queen of the gods, Ares was destined for greatness. His divine parentage endowed him with incredible strength and prowess, making him a formidable force on the battlefield. Ares quickly became known as the embodiment of war, embodying the primal and chaotic nature of conflict.

One of the most famous exploits of Ares is recounted in the epic poem "Argonautica." In this tale, the Golden Fleece, a sacred artifact, is guarded by Ares in a grove. However, the audacious hero Jason embarks on a daring quest to steal the fleece, defying the wrath of Ares. The god's fury is manifested through his fierce avian guardians, known as the Birds of Ares, who rain down feathered darts in defense of the Amazons' shrine on a remote coastal island. This story highlights Ares' determination to protect what he deems as his own and serves as a testament to his unwavering loyalty to his allies.

Ares also played a significant role in the founding myth of Thebes, an ancient Greek city. According to legend, Ares fathered a fearsome water-dragon that terrorized the land. The dragon's teeth, when sown into the earth, sprouted fully armored warriors called the Spartoi. To atone for slaying the dragon, Cadmus, the legendary founder of Thebes, devoted eight years of his life to serving Ares. Eventually, Ares found solace in Cadmus' actions and blessed the union between Cadmus and Harmonia, a daughter of Ares and Aphrodite. This union marked the harmonization of strife and the birth of a great city. The founding of Thebes became an integral part of Greek history and mythology, and the city thrived as a prominent political and cultural center.

Ares' tumultuous relationship with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, is a saga filled with scandal and intrigue. In one famous episode described in Homer's Odyssey, the Sun-god Helios discovers Ares and Aphrodite engaging in a secret affair within the halls of Hephaestus, Aphrodite's husband. Helios exposes the illicit lovers to Hephaestus, who devises a cunning plan for revenge. Hephaestus creates an invisible net, trapping Ares and Aphrodite in a compromising position. The scandalous duo is then subjected to the mocking gaze of the other gods and goddesses, their private encounter exposed for all to witness. The tale is a cautionary reminder of the consequences of divine infidelity and the power dynamics within the realm of Olympus.

Ares' association with war extends beyond his personal escapades, as he often becomes entangled in the conflicts of mortals. In Homer's Iliad, Ares initially pledges his allegiance to the Achaeans but is swayed by Aphrodite to switch sides and aid the Trojans. His participation in the Trojan War leads to intense battles and displays of his formidable power. However, Ares is eventually forced to retreat when Athena intervenes on behalf of the Achaeans, driving him from the battlefield. This episode demonstrates the ever-shifting loyalties of the gods and their influence on mortal affairs, as well as the consequences they face for their actions.

Accompanying Ares on his relentless march of destruction are his attendants, Deimos and Phobos, personifications of terror and fear, respectively. According to Hesiod, these two figures are not only Ares' companions but also his children, born from his union with Aphrodite. Another notable companion of Ares is Eris, the goddess of discord, or Enyo, the goddess of war and violence. Ares' association with these fierce and chaotic entities further emphasizes his role as the bringer of strife and the embodiment of the horrors of war.

Throughout his mythical adventures, Ares engaged in numerous love affairs, resulting in a multitude of offspring. His union with Aphrodite produced gods such as Eros, Anteros, Phobos, Deimos, and Harmonia, showcasing the complex interweaving of love and war within Greek mythology. Other accounts mention Alcippe as one of Ares' daughters, highlighting the diverse and sometimes conflicting narratives surrounding his family tree.

It is worth noting that Ares' influence extended beyond Greek mythology and found its counterpart in Roman culture. Mars, the Roman god of war, was closely associated with Ares and served as his counterpart. While Ares represented the brutal and savage aspects of warfare, Mars was portrayed as a more noble and disciplined deity. Mars held a significant place in Roman religion, acting as a guardian of the Roman state and its people. The fusion of the Greek Ares and the Roman Mars in literature and art during the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods further blurred the lines between the two deities.

In conclusion, Ares, the god of war, remains a fascinating figure in Greek mythology. From his tumultuous birth as the son of Zeus and Hera to his scandalous love affairs and his involvement in epic battles, Ares embodies the raw power and chaotic nature of war. His complex relationships with other deities and his extensive progeny add depth to his character, showcasing the intricate tapestry of Greek mythology. Ares' stories continue to captivate audiences, serving as a reminder of the enduring allure and timeless relevance of ancient mythological figures.