Ares

The Greek God of War (Art by Hans Thoma)

### Siblings

Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Dionysus, Helen of Troy, Hephaestus, Heracles, Hermes, Persephone, Perseus

### Consorts

Aphrodite, Rhea Silvia, Bellona, Nerio, various others

### Offspring

Hippolyta, Eros, Romulus, Remus, various others

**Ares** is the deity of war and conflict worshiped by the ancient Greeks as one of the Dodekatheon.

## Overview

Ares is the embodiment of the violent side of war whereas Athena represented strategy. Like many other gods, Ares had several demigod children, most of whom would inherit his bloodthirsty nature and become villains in the myths and legends.

Ares is disliked among the Greeks. Although he is the representation of the strength needed to achieve victory, he is a cruel and deadly god who feels no mercy for those who insulted him or his loved ones. Even his own father hates him as in the Iliad, when he complained about his injuries, Zeus offered no comfort and instead told him that he hated him the most.

Ares is often accompanied by his twin sons Phobos and Deimos and his sister Enyo when riding his war chariot.

Despite being the god of war, Ares is often defeated by other gods, most notably Athena. Even though he represents manly courage, he is often a coward and will respond with outrage even when only slightly injured.

## Appearance

Ares is usually depicted in standard Greek armor. He often carries a shield, a spear, and a sheathed sword. Even though his shield is decorated with emblems, artists did not draw anything specific for him.

## Powers and Abilities

* **Immense Strength**: Ares has power on par with Zeus, he is feared due to the potential damage he could inflict on planet Earth due to his strength, with War believing a clash between them will bring about the end of the world. (not to be confused with the apocalypse) In fact, it's a monster so real it could easily destroy an entire planet on its own.
* **Induction to War**: Ares is able to instill the instinct of war in humans and lead them to war with each other bringing death and destruction.
* **Olympic Divine Physiology**: Ares is part of the Dodekatheon able to use the elements earth, water, fire, air and lightning is able to throw thunderbolts and shoot lightning from his hands (but much less powerful than the thunderbolts and thunderbolts of the god Zeus) is in able to transform into all animals existing on earth.
* **Element Manipulation**: with the **earth** element can create stalagmites and impale opponents.
	+ **Air**: He can launch "explosions" of air and cut his opponents into many pieces.
	+ **Fire**: He can shoot fire explosions from his hands and mouth capable of incinerating humans and gods of other pantheons.
	+ **Water**: He can remove water from human bodies and deities by dehydrating and killing them.

## History

Ares is famous for being the lover of Aphrodite, who was Hephaestus’s wife. The couple was ridiculed by the trap Hephaestus set up, much to the amusement of the gods. Fortunately, Hephaestus was convinced by Poseidon to release them in exchange that Ares pay the adulterer's fine.

## Myths and Legends

Ares is a figure from Greek mythology originally worshiped as one of the Dodekatheon. He was seen as a patron of combat, soldiers would often sacrifice to him and have his symbols on their weaponry to help them during war.

Ares was worshiped in Ancient Rome under the name of Mars. Unlike his Greek counterpart though, Mars was seen as a prestige and majestic god, who was seen as a brave warrior and protector of Roman Empire and it's people. He favoured the soldiers who fought with courage and honour.

## Trivia

* Theologians have equated Ares with Týr and Laran.