Ares: The Bloodthirsty God of War (But Maybe Not as Bad as You Think)

Buckle up, because we're about to head into the battlefield with Ares, the god of war (πόλεμος [pólemos]), violence (βία [bía]), and bloodshed (φόνος [phónos])**. Forget diplomacy and peace treaties – Ares is all about the clash of steel, the roar of the crowd, and the thrill (or maybe horror) of victory. Often portrayed as a bloodthirsty brute, Ares might surprise you with his complex character and the reasons behind his relentless pursuit of war.
Born from the unlikely pairing of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Hera, the goddess of marriage and family (talk about an awkward family dynamic!), Ares wasn't exactly raised on sunshine and rainbows. He thrived in the chaos of battle, reveled in the clash of weapons, and embodied the destructive side of warfare.
So, is Ares a one-dimensional warmonger? Let's take a closer look at his armor and see if there's more to him than meets the eye:

• The God of War and Violence (πόλεμος [pólemos], βία [bía]): There's no denying it – Ares loved war. He personified the brutal aspects of conflict, the relentless pursuit of victory, and the devastating consequences of battle. His presence on the battlefield meant bloodshed, destruction, and a disregard for human life.
• Not Just Destruction (φόνος [phónos]): While Ares reveled in the fight, he wasn't simply a mindless destroyer. He also represented courage, valor, and the strength needed to defend oneself and one's loved ones. In some myths, he's even depicted as a protector of cities under threat.
• A Bit of a Whiner: Okay, let's be honest. Ares wasn't exactly the bravest god on Olympus. Despite his love of war, he often whined and complained when things didn't go his way. He even got trounced by a mortal woman, Athena (talk about an embarrassing defeat!).
• A Symbol of Human Conflict: Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Ares is that he doesn't represent war itself, but rather the human propensity for conflict. His presence reflects the dark side of humanity, our capacity for violence and destruction.

Ares' story serves as a reminder of the devastating costs of war. He represents the primal urge for conflict, but also the courage and strength needed to defend what's right.

What do you think? Is Ares simply a villain, or is there a more complex side to him? Would you rather have Ares' strength in battle or Athena's strategic mind (check out our previous blog if you missed it!)? Let us know in the comments below! We're curious to hear your take on this controversial and fascinating god of war!