Odyssey Greek Gods

This paper will focus on the famous Greek God of War Ares. This paper will highlight Ares' background, his area of expertise, his associations, and one of his famous stories.

Background

Ares is referred to as the God War by the Greeks. As warfare was not the chief focus of the Greeks, Ares' worship is not that prevalent among the Greeks. He was called as Mars by the Romans, also, he was considered as the Patron of God. Greek poet Homer, on one of the instances, said that once when Ares fell on the ground he covered an area which measured around two acres of land. Tales regarding Diomedes, a Greek warrior, wounding Ares are also told. It is said that when Ares was stressed his cries of pain sounded like uproar of ten thousand charging soldiers. Romans are of the opinion that Mars (Ares) with the name of Gradivus marched as army head and lead them to victory. Artists have portrayed Ares dressed in splendid shining armor suit and topped with helmet with a plume riding a carriage driven by four brave horses (Albala, Pp. 18-62).

Ares carried an elaborated carved shield in one hand whereas, in his other hand was a sharp and long spear which was ready to be thrown. Romans considered Ares unbeatable, but it was not true, he was beaten once by two giants named the Aloadae. Giants overpowered Ares as they wanted to prove their strength at the age of nine. Giants knew they had the advantage of size which would help them against Ares. Ares was kept in chains for around fifteen months, he was imprisoned by the Aloadae. He was finally set free by the God Hermes. Later while on Olympos, Ares gave orders for killing the boys for their irresponsible act (Camus, Pp. 20-30).

Ares is the only son of Zeus and Hera. As God of war, he did not work alone, his sister Eris the Goddess of strife and discord was usually at his side; so too were his sons Phobos and Deimos. The war Goddess Enyo was also seen with him often. Ares had a great thirst for battle and was never one to miss a good fight. He was quick to appear on the field once a battle started raging. He would show up in his formidable war chariot that was pulled by four fire-breathing horses and let loose with his killing spear, spreading death through both armies. In most battles, Ares did not pick sides, but killed all that got in his way (Edmunds, Pp. 67-92).

Ares was not well liked by the majority of the Greek Gods and his father Zeus called him the most hateful of all the Olympians. However, not all the Gods feared and despised him, the Greek Goddess of love Aphrodite loved him and worked with him often. During the Trojan War, unlike most of the Greek Gods, Ares supported the Trojans and saved Aphrodite's son Aeneas from being killed. Later in the battle, he was ...