Ares

The main antagonist of the story, Ares is the god of violence and war. He is primarily the patron god of Sparta, but armies from all city-states offer prayers to him before going into battle. Ares also claims The Amazons as his favorite mortals (*1.12 - Battle Lines II*) and has been known to send them prophetic visions.

      Though he represents the physical aspect of war, Ares is far from some mindless thug. He is, in fact, a brilliant strategist, preferring to plan his battles carefully rather than going into a fight with his proverbial guns blazing. Whenever possible, he seems to like the methods of getting other people to do his work for him or finding ways to get his enemies to destroy themselves. The latter is something he repeatedly attempts with Hercules, knowing that he cannot kill his half-brother without suffering the wrath of Zeus.

## **Family**

* Son of Zeus and Hera
* Uncles: Poseidon and Hades
* Immortal siblings: Discord, Hephaestus
* Immortal half-siblings: Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Bacchus, Hermes
* Half-mortal half-siblings: Hercules, Castor, Pollux, Lucius
* Nephew: Strife
* Pretended to be the father of Mila.

## **Wardrobe**

Ares typically wears a vest, gauntlets and leather pants, all made of black leather studded with silver.

## **Powers**

* His image can appear on the surface of water and can be used to communicate with others. - *1.01 - Treasure of Zeus*
* Can temporarily encase people immobile in a forcefield. - *1.03 - What a Crockery*
* Can throw bolts of energy from his hands - *1.03 - What a Crockery*, *1.14 - No Way Out*, *1.15 - Ares on Trial*, *1.28 - In Your Dreams*, *1.33 - Con Ares*, *1.42 - The Prize*.
* Can poison a waterskin by waving his hand over it. - *1.14 - No Way Out*.
* Superhuman strength. - *1.15 - Ares on Trial*

## **Skills**

* Can ride a horse - Young Hercules (Movie Pilot), Young Hercules (Novelization).
* Can play chess - Young Hercules (Movie Pilot).

## **Television Tropes**

* Plot Tropes:
	+ Limited Wardrobe

## *1.01 - Treasure of Zeus*

      Ares spends a lot of time in his temple. We're not sure what he does with all his time, but in his own words, "Even I have to work hard". Apparently this involves practicing swordplay with a floating set of armor. He is also easily angered and obviously carries a large amount of resentment towards Hercules. He listens to Strife's griping, and subtly influences Strife into trying to kill Hercules. Later, he appears to Strife as an image in a bowl of water, checking in to see how Strife is pulling off his con.

## *1.18 - A Serpent's Tooth*

* After planting the basilisk in the throne room, Discord gloats to Strife, "Chin up, Strife. Just think how impressed Ares will be when we've destroyed Corinth."
* The evil plan is not going so well. Strife retorts sarcastically, "Uncle Ares is gonna be sooooo impressed. He's just gonna go all warm and fuzzy inside."
* The evil plan eventually falls through, and Strife retreats, "Let's not tell, uh, Uncle Ares about this, huh? Whaddya say?"

## *1.19 - The Lure of the Lyre*

* When Hercules asks about Bacchus, Iolaus mistakenly assumes he's taking about "Bacchus... Oh, yeah. He's a cyclops. Works for Ares."

## *1.24 - Dad Always Liked Me Best*

* Lucius tells made-up stories about hanging out with Zeus, including a time seeing Zeus toss Ares off of Mount Olympus and hearing Zeus says to Ares, "You may be the God of War, but you're still going bald."

## **External Links**

* "Ares" on Hercules-Xena.wikia.com
* "Ares" on WarriorPrincess.wikia.com