Ares • Facts and Information on Greek God of War Ares Ares Greek God of War Ares is the god of war, one of the Twelve Olympian gods and the son of Zeus and Hera . In literature Ares represents the violent and physical untamed aspect of war, which is in contrast to Athena who represents military strategy and generalship as the goddess of intelligence. Although Ares embodied the physical aggression necessary for success in war, the Greeks were ambivalent toward him because he was a dangerous, overwhelming force that was insatiable in battle. He is well known as the lover of Aphrodite , who was married to Hephaestus , and though Ares plays a limited role in literature, when he does appear in myths it is typically facing humiliation. For example, one famous story of Ares and Aphrodite exposes them to ridicule by the gods when her husband Hephaestus trapped them both naked in a bed using a clever device he made. The Roman counterpart to Ares was Mars , who was known as a father to the Roman people. Because of this, he was a less aggressive and physical form, revealing a more calm and understanding demeanour.

Facts about Ares Ares was most notably referred to as the God of War; he represented the unpleasant aspects of battle. He was the son of Zeus and Hera, both of whom hated him (according to Homer). Ares was most often characterized as a coward in spite of his connection to war; he responded to even the slightest injury with outrage. According to some sources, Ares was described as Aphrodite’s lover and was held in contempt by her husband, Hephaestus. The affair between them was not a secret among the Olympians. Ares was never very popular—either with men or the other immortals. As a result, his worship in Greece was not substantial or widespread. He came from Thrace, home of a fierce people in the northeast of Greece. His bird was the vulture. The Amazons, warrior women, were his daughters. Their mother was a peace-loving nymph named Harmony. Otus and Ephialtes, twin giants, imprisoned Ares for a lunar year by binding him with chains of brass; he was eventually rescued by Hermes. Ares always took the side of Aphrodite in the Trojan War.

He fought for Hector (a Trojan) until a Greek warrior pierced him with a spear that was guided by Athena. He then departed the battlefield in order to complain to Zeus about Athena’s violence. Harmonia, Goddess of Harmony, was the daughter of Ares and Aphrodite. Eros (more commonly known as Cupid) was also the child of Ares and Aphrodite. Tereus, a son of Ares, was known to have inherited his father’s abhorrent qualities. Ares was the biological father of at least three of Hercules’ enemies: Cycnus, Lycaon, and Diomedes. Ares had a sister named Eris, who was the Goddess of Discord. Hebe, another sister of his, was the Goddess of Youth. Ares rarely figures into mythology stories, but when he does, he usually suffers some form of humiliation. Ares was associated with two other war deities: Enyalius and Enyo. Ares had many offspring, which is characteristic of nearly all of the notable Greek gods. He conceived more mortal children than divine children. In art, Ares is generally depicted wearing a spear and a helmet.

Link/cite this page If you use any of the content on this page in your own work, please use the code below to cite this page as the source of the content. <a href="">Ares: - Greek Gods & Goddesses, September 19, 2014 Link will appear as Ares: - Greek Gods & Goddesses, September 19, 2014 Ares, Greek God of War ARES FACTS ARES - Greek God of War & Battlelust (Roman Mars) Ares Ares, Athenian black-figure amphora C6th B.C., Worcester Art Museum ARES was the Olympian god of war, battlelust, courage and civil order. In ancient Greek art he was depicted as either a mature, bearded warrior armed for battle, or a nude, beardless youth with a helm and spear. MYTHS Ares had an adulterous affair with the goddess Aphrodite but her husband Hephaistos trapped the pair in a golden net and humiliated them by calling the rest of the gods to witness.

<< More >> When Aphrodite fell in love with the handsome youth Adonis, the god grew jealous, transformed himself into a boar, and gorged the boy to death as he was out hunting. << More >> Ares transformed his daughter Harmonia and her husband Kadmos (Cadmus) of Thebes into serpents and had them carried away to the Islands of the Blessed. << More >> The god slew Hallirhothios to avenge the rape of his daughter Alkippe. He was tried at the court of the Areiopagos in Athens but acquitted of murder. << More >> Ares apprehended the criminal Sisyphos, an impious man who had dared to kidnap the god of death Thanatos. << More >> During the battle between Herakles and Ares' villianous Kyknos (Cycnus), the god intervened but was wounded by the hero and forced to flee back to Olympos. << More >> Ares actively supported his Amazon-queen daughters in their many wars and battles. The most celebrated of these was Penthesileia who joined the Trojan War.

<< More >> When the Aloadai giants laid siege to Olympos, Ares battled them but was defeated and imprisoned in a bronze jar. He was later rescued by the god Hermes. << More >> During the course of the Trojan War, Ares, who had sided with the Trojans, was wounded by the Greek hero Diomedes who drove a spear into his side, sending him flying back to Olympos bellowing in pain. << More >> Many other minor myths are detailed over the following pages. SYMBOLS & ATTRIBUTES Ares' main attribute was a peaked warrior's helm. Even in domestic scenes, such as feasts of the gods, he was depicted either wearing or holding his helm. The god's other attributes included a shield, a spear and sometimes a sheathed sword. Although his shield was often decorated with an emblem of some sort, ancient artists simply used a generic one drawn from their standard repertoire rather than something specific to the god. Ares was usually dressed as a standard Greek warrior with a short tunic, breastplate, helm and greaves. The breastplate was often ommitted in favour of a simple tunic, and he was sometimes depicted nude except for the helm and shield.

Ares can be quite difficult to identify in ancient Greek art as there is little to distinguish him from other warrior figures. << More >> SACRED ANIMALS Ares' sacred animal was the serpent. He was also associated with certain birds, such as the vulture and a few species of owl, which ancient augury identified as portents of war, sedition and ill-fortune. << More >> The most famous of the god's animals in myth were the Colchian Dragon, a serpent set by Ares to guard the Golden Fleece, and the Ismenian Dragon, a giant snake which guarded his sacred spring near Thebes. << More >> ARES PAGES ON THEOI.COM This site contains a total of 13 pages describing the god, including general descriptions, mythology, and cult. The content is outlined in the Index of Ares Pages list (left column or below).

FAMILY OF ARES PARENTS [1.1] ZEUS & HERA (Hesiod Theogony 921, Homer Iliad 5.699, Aeschylus Frag 282, Apollodorus 1.13, Pausanias 2.14.3, Hyginus Preface, et al) [1.2] HERA (no father) (Ovid Fasti 5.229) OFFSPRING See Family of Ares Ares was a son of Zeus and Hera, King and Queen of the Gods, and brother of the goddesses Eileithyia and Hebe. His half-brothers and sisters included Athena, Aphrodite, Apollon, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysos and Hephaistos. Ares had three children by the goddess Aphrodite named Deimos (Fear), Phobos (Terror), and Harmonia (Harmony). His daughter Harmonia's daughter Semele was the mother of the god Dionysos. Ares also had numerous mortal offspring.

Many of these inherited their father's violent temperament and in myth were often cast in the role of villains. << More >> Below are two graphics depicting Ares' family tree, the first with names transliterated from the Greek and the second with the common English spellings:- ENCYCLOPEDIA Ares, Greco-Roman bronze statue, Gaziantep Museum of Archaeology ARES (Arês), the god of war and one of the great Olympian gods of the Greeks. He is represented as the son of Zeus and Hera. (Hom. Il. v. 893, &c.; Hes. Theog. 921; Apollod. i. 3. § 1.) A later tradition, according to which Hera conceived Ares by touching a certain flower, appears to be an imitation of the legend about the birth of Hephaestus, and is related by Ovid. (Fast. v. 255, &c.) The character of Ares in Greek mythology will be best understood if we compare it with that of other divinities who are likewise in some way connected with war.

Athena represents thoughtfulness and wisdom in the affairs of war, and protects men and their habitations during its ravages. Ares, on the other hand, is nothing but the personification of bold force and strength, and not so much the god of war as of its tumult, confusion, and horrors. His sister Eris calls forth war, Zeus directs its course, but Ares loves war for its own sake, and delights in the din and roar of battles, in the slaughter of men, and the destruction of towns. He is not even influenced by party-spirit, but sometimes assists the one and sometimes the other side, just as his inclination may dictate; whence Zeus calls him alloposallos. (Il. v. 889.) The destructive hand of this god was even believed to be active in the ravages made by plagues and epidemics. (Soph. Oed. Tyr. 185.) This savage and sanguinary character of Ares makes him hated by the other gods and his own parents. (Il. v. 889-909.) In the Iliad, he appears surrounded by the personifications of all the fearful phenomena and effects of war (iv.

440, &c., xv. 119, &c.); but in the Odyssey his character is somewhat softened down. It was contrary to the spirit which animated the Greeks to represent a being like Ares, with all his overwhelming physical strength, as always victorious; and when he comes in contact with higher powers, he is usually conquered. He was wounded by Diomedes, who was assisted by Athena, and in his fall he roared like nine or ten thousand other warriors together. (Il. v. 855, &c.) When the gods began to take an active part in the war of the mortals, Athena opposed Ares, and threw him on the ground by hurling at him a mighty stone (xx. 69, xxi. 403, &c.); and when he lay stretched on the earth, his huge body covered the space of seven plethra. The gigantic Aloadae had likewise conquered and chained him, and had kept him a prisoner for thirteen months, until he was delivered by Hermes. (v.

385, &c.) In the contest of Typhon against Zeus, Ares was obliged, together with the other gods, to flee to Egypt, where he metamorphosed himself into a fish. (Antonin. Lib. 28.) He was also conquered by Heracles, with whom he fought on account of his son Cycnus, and obliged to return to Olympus. (Hesiod, Scut. Herc. 461.) In numerous other contests, however, he was victorious. This fierce and gigantic, but withal handsome god loved and was beloved by Aphrodite : he interfered on her behalf with Zeus (v. 883), and lent her his war-chariot. (v. 363; comp. Aphrodite.) When Aphrodite loved Adonis, Ares in his jealonsy metamorphosed himself into a bear, and killed his rival. According to a late tradition, Ares slew Halirrhotius, the son of Poseidon, when he was on the point of violating Alcippe, the daughter of Ares. Hereupon Poseidon accused Ares in the Areiopagus, where the Olympian gods were assembled in court.

Ares was acquitted, and this event was believed to have given rise to the name Areiopagus. (Dict. of Ant. s. v.) The warlike character of the tribes of Thrace led to the belief, that the god's residence was in that country, and here and in Scythia were the principal seats of his worship. (Hom. Od. viii. 361, with the note of Eustath.; Ov. Ars Am. ii. 585 ; Statius, Theb. vii. 42; Herod. iv. 59, 62.) In Scythia he was worshipped in the form of a sword, to which not only horses and other cattle, but men also were sacrificed. Respecting the worship of an Egyptian divinity called Ares, see Herodotus, ii. 64. He was further worshipped in Colchis, where the golden fleece was suspended on an oak-tree in a grove sacred to him. (Apollod. i. 9.

§ 16.) From thence the Dioscuri were believed to have brought to Laconia the ancient statue of Ares which was preserved in the temple of Ares Thareitas, on the road from Sparta to Therapnae. (Paus. iii. 19. § 7, &c.) The island near the coast of Colchis, in which the Stymphalian birds were believed to have dwelt, and which is called the island of Ares, Aretias, Aria, or Chalceritis, was likewise sacred to him. (Steph. Byz. s. v. Areos nêsos; Apollon. Rhod. ii. 1047; Plin. H. N. vi. 12; Pomp. Mela, ii. 7. § 15.) In Greece itself the worship of Ares was not very general. At Athens he had a temple containing a statue made by Alcamenes (Paus. i. 8. § 5); at Geronthrae in Laconia he had a temple with a grove, where an annual festival was celebrated, during which no woman was allowed to approach the temple. (iii.

22. § 5.) He was also worshipped near Tegea, and in the town (viii. 44. § 6, 48. § 3), at Olympia (v. 15. § 4), near Thebes (Apollod. iii. 4. § 1), and at Sparta, where there was an ancient statue, representing the god in chains, to indicate that the martial spirit and victory were never to leave the city of Sparta. (Paus. iii. 15. § 5.) At Sparta human sacrifices were offered to Ares. (Apollod. Fragm. p. 1056, ed. Heyne.) The temples of this god were usually built outside the towns, probably to suggest the idea that he was to prevent enemies from approaching them.

All the stories about Ares and his worship in the countries north of Greece seem to indicate that his worship was introduced in the latter country from Thrace; and the whole character of the god, as described by the most ancient poets of Greece, seems to have been thought little suited to be represented in works of art : in fact, we hear of no artistic representation of Ares previous to the time of Alcamenes, who appears to have created the ideal of Ares. There are few Greek monuments now extant with representations of the god; he appears principally on coins, reliefs, and gems. The Romans identified their god Mars with the Greek Ares. Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES Aphrodite and Ares, Athenian red-figure kylix C5th B.C., Tarquinia National Archaeological Museum I) THE HOMERIC HYMNS Homeric Hymn 8 to Ares (trans.

Evelyn-White) (Greek epic B.C.) : "Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, Saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defender of Olympos, father of warlike Nike (Victory), ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of the righteous men, sceptred King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere [the star Mars] among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aither wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of blood-curdling strife.

Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of death." II) THE ORPHIC HYMNS Orphic Hymn 65 to Ares (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "To Ares, Fumigation from Frankincense. Magnanimous, unconquered, boisterous Ares, in darts rejoicing, and in bloody wars; fierce and untamed, whose mighty power can make the strongest walls from their foundations shake: mortal-destroying king, defiled with gore, pleased with war’s dreadful and tumultuous roar. Thee human blood, and swords, and spears delight, and the dire ruin of mad savage fight.

Stay furious contests, and avenging strife, whose works with woe embitter human life; to lovely Kypris (Cypris) [Aphrodite] and to Lyaios (Lyaeus) [Dionysos] yield, for arms exchange the labours of the field; encourage peace, to gentle works inclined, and give abundance, with benignant mind." PHYSICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF ARES Classical literature offers only a few, brief descriptions of the physical characteristics of the gods. Homer, Iliad 5. 592 ff (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) : "Ares made play in his hands with spear gigantic and ranged now in front of Hektor and now behind him. Diomedes of the great war cry shivered [with fear] as he saw him." Homer, Iliad 18. 516 ff : "[In a battle-scene engraved on the shield of Akhilleus (Achilles):] And Ares led them [an army of men], and Pallas Athene.

These were gold, both, and golden raiment upon them, and they were beautiful and huge in their armour, being divinities, and conspicuous from afar, but the people around them were smaller." Hesiod, Shield of Heracles 56 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or 7th B.C.) : "Ares insatiable in battle, blazing like the light of burning fire in his armour and standing in his chariots, and his running horses trampled and dented the ground with their hooves . . . And all the grove and the altar . . . were lighted up by the dread god, Ares, himself and his armour, and the shining from his eyes was like fire . . . manslaughtering Ares screaming aloud, courses all over the sacred grove." Hesiod, Shield of Heracles 191 ff : "[In a battle-scene engraved on the shield of Herakles:] And on the shield stood the fleet-footed horses of grim Ares made gold, and deadly Ares the spoil-winner himself.

He held a spear in his hands and was urging on the footmen: he was red with blood as if he were slaying living men, and he stood in his chariot. Beside him stood Deimos (Fear) and Phobos (Flight), eager to plunge amidst the fighting men." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 1. 923 ff (trans. Way) (Greek epic C4th A.D.) : "Straight from Olympus down he [Ares] darted, swift and bright as thunderbolt terribly flashing from the mighty hand of Zeus." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 7. 400 ff : "Ares, to gory strife he speedeth, wroth with foes, when maddeneth his heart, and grim his frown is, and his eyes flash levin-flame around him, and his face is clothed with glory of beauty terror-blent, as on he rusheth: quail the very gods." ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART Statius, Thebaid - Latin Epic C1st A.D. Statius, Silvae - Latin Poetry C1st A.D.

Apuleius, The Golden Ass - Latin Novel C2nd A.D. BYZANTINE Suidas, The Suda - Byzantine Greek Lexicon C10th A.D. OTHER SOURCES Source status of Ares pages:- 1. Fully quoted: Homer (Iliad & Odyssey), Hesiod, Hesiod, Homeric Hymns, Epic Cycle & Homerica, Apollodorus, Pausanias, Strabo, Herodotus, Orphic Hymns, Quintus Smyrnaeus, Callimachus, Aesop, Aelian,Ovid (Metamorphoses), Hyginus (Fabulae & Astronomica), Apuleius; 2. Partially or not quoted (Greek): Pindar, Greek Lyric (Fragments), Greek Elegaic (Fragments), Apollonius Rhodius, Diodorus Siculus, Antoninus Liberalis, Euripides, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Plato, Theocritus, Lycophron, Plutarch, Philostratus & Callistratus, Nonnus;, Oppian, Tryphiodorus, et.

al.; 3. Partially or not quoted (Latin): Ovid (Fasti), Cicero, Statius, Colluthus, Propertius, Valerius Flaccus, et. al. Greek Mythology | Archaeological Excavations in Greece Archaeological Excavations in Greece Greek Mythology History and mythology help explain the world of antiquity, the world the classical archaeologist seeks to illuminate. Classical archaeologists - unlike archaeologists working in many other areas - have many written sources and unwritten stories they can use to help them understand the way ancient people thought and acted. What is a myth? One of the most enduring legacies of ancient Greece is the collection of stories that tell the tales of gods and heroes (Figure 3.1). Collectively these stories are known as myths. What do we mean when we call them myths? Today when we say "oh, that's just a myth," what we mean is "oh, that's not true (even if many people believe it)." Are myths, then, stories that are not true?

The oldest definition of the Greek word mythos comes from Homer, and it means "word," "speech," or "story," without any of the connotations of falsehood that our term myth has. As time progressed, mythos more and more implied "hard-to-believe stories" so that by the time of Plato (early fourth century B.C.) mythos had most of the connotations that our word "myth" has. We still have not defined myth. At a very basic level, a myth is a story. However, a myth is a special kind of story. Fritz Graf, in his book Greek Mythology (Baltimore 1993) defines myth as a "traditional tale", with two characteristics that distinguishes it from a legend or a fairy tale. First, a myth is adaptable to many literary genres. Second, although flexible, a myth's adaptability is limited by the fact that a myth must be culturally relevant. Because a myth is adaptable, it can take many forms. The most famous type of literature which contains myth is epic poetry. Our earliest sources for Greek myths are Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, written in the 8th century B.C., though they were based on an earlier, oral poetic tradition.

Later examples of epic include Apollonius Rhodius' Argonautica (3rd c. B.C.), which tells the story of Jason and the Argonauts. Furthermore, myths are not confined to epic. Pindar (early 5th c. B.C.) made frequent use of myth in the odes he wrote commemorating the victors of the Olympic (and other) games. Finally, Athens' three greatest dramatists, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Eurpides, employed myth almost exclusively in their plays; historical dramas were quite rare. Because myth is so adaptable, we have no one "sacred text" which tells us all the Greek myths in their definitive forms. Each myth, in fact, had no definitive form, because each storyteller, poet, and playwright felt free to shape the myth according to his own needs. Sometimes the adaptations can seem minor. Aeschylus, for example, made Agamemnon the king of Argos in his play Agamemnon, while previous tradition unanimously places made him king of Mycenae. Sometimes, however, the adaptations are very significant.

In his play Helen, Euripides feared that as an adulteress who deserted her husband, Helen of Troy would not be a very sympathetic character. Therefore he changed the story. Eurpides' Helen was in Egypt the whole time, and had nothing to do with starting the war which killed so many Greeks and Trojans. The key point is that each new version must continue to invoke something in its audience. If the new story fails to do this, if it loses its relevance to its culture, it is meaningless and can no longer be called myth. Greek Gods: The Olympians One of the distinguishing features of myth is the close interaction between gods and mortals. Gods speak with their mortal favorites as well as intervene on their behalf. They could also do severe harm to their enemies. Odysseus, for example, angered the sea god Poseidon when he blinded Poseidon's son, the cyclops Polyphemus. Poseidon killed all of Odysseus' followers and prevented the hero himself from reaching home for ten years. The Greeks assembled their most important gods into a pantheon of twelve. Not all lists have the same twelve gods, but the list below is fairly standard.

Zeus: Zeus is the sky-god who uses thunderbolts to strike those who offend him (Figure 3.2). Hesiod's Theogony, which gives the genealogy of Greek Gods, makes him the son of the titans Kronos and Rhea. Kronos feared his children would some day overthrow him, so at birth he took them from Rhea and ate them. Rhea deceived Kronos by giving him a stone wrapped in blankets, and Zeus escaped. Eventually Zeus rescued his siblings and cast his father down into Tartaros. He divided the spheres of the world with his brothers Poseidon and Hades. Zeus received the sky, Poseidon the sea, and Hades the underworld. Few cities claimed special relationship with Zeus, like Athens does with Athena or Argos with Hera, but Zeus' worship was nearly universal among the Greeks. Two of the four Panhellenic Games, celebrated at regular intervals and attended by the entire Greek world, were dedicated to Zeus. These are the Olympic and Nemean Games. Hera: Hera the wife of Zeus represents marriage. In myth Hera plays the jealous wife, persecuting Zeus' mortal lovers and their offspring.

When Zeus slept with Semele, daughter of Cadmus, king of Thebes, Hera conspired to get rid of her. She persuaded Semele to ask to see her lover Zeus in all his glory. The sight killed her. Another of Zeus' affairs produced Heracles, who spent his entire life facing Hera's wrath. Hera's most famous temples were at Argos and Samos. Athena: Athena is a civilizing goddess who is almost always represented armed (Figure 3.3). In one version of the story of her birth, she was conceived in the mind of Zeus. Unfortunately for Zeus, she got stuck there, and the god Haephestos had to release her by hitting Zeus in the head with an axe. Athena is identifiable in art because she is armed. She also often carries an aigis, which is a goat skin usually depicted with the head of a Gorgon on it and which has a border of snakes. The sight of this makes her enemies panic. Athena is especially revered in Athens. The Athenians told the story that Athena and Poseidon competed to be the patron of their city, each giving a gift to Athens.

Athena's gift to the Athenians was the olive, and that tree was sacred to her. Artemis: Artemis is the daughter of Zeus and the Titan Leto, and the sister of Apollo. She is a virgin goddess who is associated with wilderness and wild animals. She watched over the transition of women from young maiden to adulthood. She could be cruel to those who offended her. In one myth the famous huntsman Actaion stumbled upon Artemis while she was bathing. The chaste goddess was angered at being seen naked and she turned Actaion into a deer, whereupon his own hunting dogs killed him. On another occasion she was angry at Agamemnon, king of Mycenae and leader of the Greek expedition against Troy. She refused to grant favorable sailing weather to the expedition unless Agamemnon sacrificed his own daughter to her. He complied. Her most famous sanctuary was at Ephesus, in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). It was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Apollo: Apollo is the brother of Artemis and had various spheres of interest. He was a musician and played the lyre. He was famous as a healer of disease. He granted oracles to those who asked.

His two most famous sanctuaries were at Delphi, where an oracular priestess lived, and at Delos, where he was born (according to the Delians). Every four years at Delphi the Pythian Games honored Apollo. These were second in prestige only to those at Olympia. Apollo could not just cure disease, he could inflict in on those who angered him. At the beginning of the Iliad, Apollo has sent plague to afflict the Greeks because Agamemnon has captured the daughter of one of his priests and refuses to return her to her father. Agamemnon ultimately gives the girl up, but in recompense he demands that Achilles hand over one of his own women. The resulting temper-tantrum is the central plot point of the poem. Poseidon: Poseidon was god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses (Figure 3.4). He received his lordship over the sea after the fall of Kronos, when the world was divided among Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. In myth he is famous as the persecutor of Odysseus. He was worshipped all throughout the Greek world, since much of Greece is coastal.

One of the most famous temples was at the southern tip of Attica, at Cape Sounion. The ruins of the temple are one of the most picturesque spots in Greece. Another famous sanctuary lies near Korinth, at Isthmia. Games in honor of Poseidon were celebrated every two years at Isthmia. Demeter: Demeter was the goddess of grain and fertility. The most famous myth concerning her is the "Rape of Persephone." In this myth, Hades kidnaps Demeter's daughter Persephone and takes her to the underworld to be his wife. A distraught Demeter refuses to allow crops to grow until she gets her daughter back. In the end, Persephone returns to her mother, but she is required to return to Hades for three months each year. During the time she is absent, nothing grows on Earth. Demeter and Persephone were honored each year at the Eleusinian mysteries. People from all over Greece came to Eleusis each year to be initiated. Initiates were strictly warned not to reveal the secret rites conducted there. Dionysus: Dionysus was the god of wine, theatre, and madness (Figure 3.5).

His mother was Semele, daughter of King Cadmus of Thebes, his father was Zeus. When Semele was killed after seeing Zeus in his full glory, Dionysus was snatched from his mother's body and placed into Zeus' thigh, from which he was born. Several important festivals honor Dionysus. The Athenians, for instance, honor Dionysus at the Anthesteria, where they drink new wine. At the Greater and Lesser Dionysia, dramas were performed in honor of the god. It is at this festival that the great playwrights of the Classical age put on their plays. Aphrodite: Aphrodite was the goddess of erotic love. In myth, Aphrodite was born when the titan Kronos (Zeus' father) castrated his own father Ouranos ("sky") and threw his testicles into the sea. Aphrodite rose up out of the resulting foam. One particularly famous sanctuary of Aphrodite was located at Korinth. Hephaistos: Hephaistos was the god of crafts, and is associated with fire and volcanoes He had crippled feet. According to the story, Hephaistos had no father, Hera bore him alone.

She was unhappy with the result and threw him down from Olympus, thus injuring his legs. He later got revenge by giving her as a gift an elaborately crafted throne which trapped her when she sat in it. Dionysus had to get him drunk and bring him back to Olympus to release her. The best preserved classical temple anywhere in Greece is the Temple of Hephaistos, or Hephaisteion, in Athens. Hermes: Hermes is a trickster god, the god of messengers and thieves (Figure 3.6). Stone images of him called herms were used in Athens to mark out boundaries. In later myths and art, he also leads the souls of the dead to Charon, the ferryman of the Styx who will take their souls into the underworld. Hermes: Hermes is a trickster god, the god of messengers and thieves (Figure 3.6). Stone images of him called herms were used in Athens to mark out boundaries. In later myths and art, he also leads the souls of the dead to Charon, the ferryman of the Styx who will take their souls into the underworld. Ares: Ares is god of war.

While Athena is portrayed as a civilized, calculating warrior, Ares is more violent. There are few myths associated with him and he has few permanent sanctuaries, though, of course, armies going into battle would naturally sacrifice to him. Other Gods and Heroes The twelve Olympian gods do not exhaust the Greek Pantheon. Hestia, goddess of the hearth, Eileithyia, goddess of childbirth, and the titans Prometheus and Leto, and the mysterious Hecate are only a few other divinities who attracted the worship of ancient Greeks. There were also a class of beings who tread the boundary between human and divine -- the heroes. Famous and exciting tales grew up around the great heroes of Greece. Though the Heroes of the Trojan War, and the Argonauts of a generation earlier, were famous, the most famous of the heroes by far was Heracles. He was the son of Zeus, and jealous Hera persecuted him before he was born. Zeus was aware of Heracles potential, and foretold on the day of his birth that the greatest man of the era would be born. Hera contrived to delay his birth until the next day.

Another one of Zeus' children was born on the predicted day, Eurystheus of Argos. King Eurystheus fulfilled the prophecy and became the greatest king in Greece. Eurystheus would eventually make Heracles a vassal and force him to perform his famous twelve labors. According to one version of the myth, Heracles was eventually granted immortality. The final category of gods are known as "chthonic" gods, from the Greek word chthon (earth). Chthonic gods are associated with the earth or the underworld. Hades is often placed in this category, because of his control over the realm of the dead. Demeter also has chthonic aspects because of her association with the growth of crops. What Do Myths Do? For over a century there has been an ongoing debate about what the function of myth was in Greek society. Some have argued that myths arose when men tried to understand the natural world around them. When wondering about the source of lightning, Greeks concluded that it was the punishing arm of Zeus that cast the thunderbolt. Others have concluded that myths are a form of history, that behind every myth there is a kernel of truth waiting to get out.

This is called "euhemerism," after Euhemeros of Messene, who around 300 B.C. wrote that the gods were once famous kings and queens who died and began to be worshipped after their deaths. Another school of thought connects myth with ritual, arguing that myths arose to explain the manner in which and the locations at which the Greeks carried out their rites. 0 Ares | Greek mythology | Britannica.com Greek mythology Greek mythology Ares, in Greek religion , god of war or, more properly, the spirit of battle. Unlike his Roman counterpart, Mars , he was never very popular, and his worship was not extensive in Greece. He represented the distasteful aspects of brutal warfare and slaughter. From at least the time of Homer , who established him as the son of the chief god, Zeus , and Hera , his consort, Ares was one of the Olympian deities; his fellow gods and even his parents, however, were not fond of him (Iliad v, 889 ff.). Nonetheless, he was accompanied in battle, by his sister Eris (Strife) and his sons (by Aphrodite) Phobos and Deimos (Panic and Rout).

Also associated with him were two lesser war deities: Enyalius, who is virtually identical with Ares himself, and Enyo, a female counterpart. Ares, classical sculpture; in the National Roman Museum, Rome Anderson—Alinari/Art Resource, New York Ares’ worship was largely in the northern areas of Greece, and, although devoid of the social, moral , and theological associations usual with major deities, his cult had many interesting local features. At Sparta , in early times, at least, human sacrifices were made to him from among the prisoners of war. At Sparta also a nocturnal offering of dogs—an unusual sacrificial victim, which might indicate a chthonic (infernal) deity—was made to him as Enyalius. During his festival at Geronthrae in Laconia, no women were allowed in the sacred grove, but at Tegea he was honoured in a special women’s sacrifice as Gynaikothoinas (“Entertainer of Women”). At Athens he had a temple at the foot of the Areopagus (“Ares’ Hill”). The mythology surrounding the figure of Ares is not extensive.

He was associated with Aphrodite from earliest times; in fact, Aphrodite was known locally (e.g., at Sparta) as a war goddess, apparently an early facet of her character. Occasionally, Aphrodite was Ares’ legitimate wife, and by her he fathered Deimos, Phobos (who accompanied him into battle), Harmonia , and—as first told by Simonides in the 6th century bc— Eros , god of love. By Aglauros, the daughter of Cecrops, he was the father of Alcippe. He was the sire of at least three of Heracles’ adversaries: Cycnus, Lycaon, and Diomedes of Thrace . On vases, Ares is usually the typical armed warrior. The Parthenon frieze contains a group of Olympians, among whom Ares, in unwarlike garb, has been tentatively identified. He also appears on the great frieze of the altar at Pergamum. Learn More in these related articles: Greek Mythology - Ancient History - HISTORY.com Greek Mythology A+E Networks Introduction “Myth has two main functions,” the poet and scholar Robert Graves wrote in 1955.

“The first is to answer the sort of awkward questions that children ask, such as ‘Who made the world? How will it end? Who was the first man? Where do souls go after death?’…The second function of myth is to justify an existing social system and account for traditional rites and customs.” In ancient Greece, stories about gods and goddesses and heroes and monsters were an important part of everyday life. They explained everything from religious rituals to the weather, and they gave meaning to the world people saw around them. Google Greek Mythology: Sources In Greek mythology, there is no single original text like the Christian Bible or the Hindu Vedas that introduces all of the myths’ characters and stories. Instead, the earliest Greek myths were part of an oral tradition that began in the Bronze Age, and their plots and themes unfolded gradually in the written literature of the archaic and classical periods. The poet Homer’s 8th-century BC epics the Iliad and the Odyssey, for example, tell the story of the (mythical) Trojan War as a divine conflict as well as a human one. They do not, however, bother to introduce the gods and goddesses who are their main characters, since readers and listeners would already have been familiar with them.

Did You Know? Many consumer products get their names from Greek mythology. Nike sneakers are the namesake of the goddess of victory, for example, and the website Amazon.com is named after the race of mythical female warriors. Many high school, college and professional sports teams (Titans, Spartans and Trojans, for instance) also get their names from mythological sources. Around 700 BC, the poet Hesiod’s Theogony offered the first written cosmogony, or origin story, of Greek mythology. The Theogony tells the story of the universe’s journey from nothingness (Chaos, a primeval void) to being, and details an elaborate family tree of elements, gods and goddesses who evolved from Chaos and descended from Gaia (Earth), Ouranos (Sky), Pontos (Sea) and Tartaros (the Underworld). Later Greek writers and artists used and elaborated upon these sources in their own work. For instance, mythological figures and events appear in the 5th-century plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides and the lyric poems of Pindar.

Writers such as the 2nd-century BC Greek mythographer Apollodorus of Athens and the 1st-century BC Roman historian Gaius Julius Hyginus compiled the ancient myths and legends for contemporary audiences. Greek Mythology: The Olympians At the center of Greek mythology is the pantheon of deities who were said to live on Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece. From their perch, they ruled every aspect of human life. Olympian gods and goddesses looked like men and women (though they could change themselves into animals and other things) and were–as many myths recounted–vulnerable to human foibles and passions.

The twelve main Olympians are: Zeus (Jupiter, in Roman mythology): the king of all the gods (and father to many) and god of weather, law and fate Hera (Juno): the queen of the gods and goddess of women and marriage Aphrodite (Venus): goddess of beauty and love Apollo (Apollo): god of prophesy, music and poetry and knowledge Ares (Mars): god of war Artemis (Diana): goddess of hunting, animals and childbirth Athena (Minerva): goddess of wisdom and defense Demeter (Ceres): goddess of agriculture and grain Dionysos (Bacchus): god of wine, pleasure and festivity Hephaistos (Vulcan): god of fire, metalworking and sculpture Hermes (Mercury): god of travel, hospitality and trade and Zeus’s personal messenger Poseidon (Neptune): god of the sea Other gods and goddesses sometimes included in the roster of Olympians are: Hades (Pluto): god of the underworld Hestia (Vesta): goddess of home and family Eros (Cupid): god of sex and minion to Aphrodite Greek Mythology: Heroes and Monsters Greek mythology does not just tell the stories of gods and goddesses, however

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Human heroes–such as Heracles, the adventurer who performed 12 impossible labors for King Eurystheus (and was subsequently worshipped as a god for his accomplishment); Pandora, the first woman, whose curiosity brought evil to mankind; Pygmalion, the king who fell in love with an ivory statue; Arachne, the weaver who was turned into a spider for her arrogance; handsome Trojan prince Ganymede who became the cupbearer for the gods; Midas, the king with the golden touch; and Narcissus, the young man who fell in love with his own reflection–are just as significant. Monsters and “hybrids” (human-animal forms) also feature prominently in the tales: the winged horse Pegasus, the horse-man Centaur, the lion-woman Sphinx and the bird-woman Harpies, the one-eyed giant Cyclops, automatons (metal creatures given life by Hephaistos), manticores and unicorns, Gorgons, pygmies, minotaurs, satyrs and dragons of all sorts. Many of these creatures have become almost as well known as the gods, goddesses and heroes who share their stories.

Greek Mythology: Past and Present The characters, stories, themes and lessons of Greek mythology have shaped art and literature for thousands of years. They appear in Renaissance paintings such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Raphael’s Triumph of Galatea and writings like Dante’s Inferno; Romantic poetry and libretti; and scores of more recent novels, plays and films. Tags Kratos of Greek Mythology - God of Strength Contact Kratos of Greek Mythology Kratos (Greek mythology) is a god of strength and might, who appears briefly in Greek mythology, but long enough to make an impression. Kratos is the brother of Nike (Greek goddess of victory) , Bia (Greek goddess of force), and Zelus (Greek god of rivalry). The four of them together were the first to stand with Zeus (Greek mythology) as he defended Mount Olympus from the god of monsters Typhon . This is a small, but critical role in Greek mythology, as the story of Typhon is a central myth of the Olympian gods. Outside of this grand battle in which most of the other gods fled, Kratos doesn't play an enormous role in Greek myth stories. However his influence in modern mythology appears to be strong.

Kratos in Modern Mythology Though Kratos in Greek mythology was the god of strength, his name is probably most familiar in modern times as the main character in the popular video game series "God of War". Apparently the title "God of War" refers not to the character Kratos but to the Greek god of war Ares , who plays a role in the plot. Though the character of Kratos in the series is supposedly not derived from the god of strength Kratos of Greek mythology, there are many indications within the game and its creation to suggest that the connection is stronger than one might be led to believe. For example, the story takes place in ancient Greece and has many of the famous Greek gods and goddesses involved. The character Kratos is a mortal who has a tenuous relationship with the gods, to put it best. But several of the characteristics of the character Kratos come from Greek myth. The designers themselves claimed that they wanted him to look as "Greek and brutal" as possible, which fits well with the imagery of Kratos of Greek mythology. More telling, perhaps, is the fact that chains are an important theme with the character, both in weaponry and in physical use.

This could be seen as tying back to Kratos of Greek mythology's role in the story of Prometheus, at least according to the ancient poem 'Prometheus Bound' by Aeschylus. In 'Prometheus Bound', Kratos, on behalf of Zeus, tells the blacksmith god Hephaestus to chain Prometheus to the rocks of a mountain to serve his punishment for giving fire to the mortal world of humans. An excerpt from 'Prometheus Bound' is provided below: [Enter Kratos (Power) and Bia (Force), bringing with them Prometheus captive, and Hephaistos.] Kratos : To earth's remotest limit we come, to the Skythian land, an untrodden solitude. And now, Hephaistos, yours is the charge to observe the mandates laid upon you by the Father [Zeus]--to clamp this miscreant [the Titan Prometheus] upon the high craggy rocks in shackles of binding adamant that cannot be broken. For your own flower, flashing fire, source of all arts, he has purloined and bestowed upon mortal creatures.

Such is his offence; for this he is bound to make requital to the gods, so that he may learn to bear with the sovereignty of Zeus and cease his man-loving ways. Hephaistos : Kratos (Power) and Bia (Force), for you indeed the behest of Zeus is now fulfilled, and nothing remains to stop you. But for me--I do not have the nerve myself to bind with force a kindred god upon this rocky cleft assailed by cruel winter. Yet, come what may, I am constrained to summon courage to this deed; for it is perilous to disregard the commandments of the Father . . . Kratos : Well, why delay and excite pity in vain? Why do you not detest a god most hateful to the gods, since he has betrayed your prerogative to mortals? Hephaistos : A strangely potent tie is kinship, and companionship as well. Kratos : I agree; yet to refuse to obey the commands of the Father; is this possible? Do you not fear that more? Hephaistos : Yes, you are ever pitiless and steeped in insolence.

Kratos : Yes, for it does not good to bemoan this fellow. Stop wasting your labor at an unprofitable task. Hephaistos : Oh handicraft that I hate so much! Kratos : Why hate it? Since in truth your craft is in no way to blame for these present troubles. Hephaistos : Nevertheless, i wish it had fallen to another's lot! Kratos : Every job is troublesome except to be the commander of gods; no one is free except Zeus. Hephaistos : I know it by this task; I cannot deny it. Kratos : Hurry then to cast the fetters about him, so that the Father does not see you loitering. Hephaistos : Well, there then! The bands are ready, as you may see. Kratos : Cast them about his wrists and with might strike with your hammer; rivet him to the rocks. Hephaistos : There! The work is getting done and not improperly. Kratos : Strike harder, clamp him tight, leave nothing loose; for he is wondrously clever at finding a way even out of desperate straits.

Hephaistos : This arm, at least, is fixed permanently. Kratos : Now rivet this one too and securely, so that he may learn, for all his cleverness, that he is a fool compared to Zeus. Hephaistos : None but he could justly blame my work. Kratos : Now drive the adamantine wedge's stubborn edge straight through his chest with your full force. Hephaistos : Alas, Prometheus, I groan for your sufferings. Kratos : What! Shrinking again and groaning over the enemies of Zeus? Take care, so that the day does not come when you shall grieve for yourself. Hephaistos : You see a spectacle grievous for eyes to behold. Kratos : I see this man getting his deserts. Come, cast the girths about his sides. Hephaistos : I must do this; spare me your needless ordering. Kratos : Indeed, I'll order you, yes and more--I'll hound you on. Get down below, and ring his legs by force. Hephaistos : There now! The work's done and without much labor.

Kratos : Now hammer the piercing fetters with your full force; for the appraiser of our work is severe. Hephaistos : The utterance of your tongue matches your looks. Kratos : Be softhearted then, but do not attack my stubborn will and my harsh mood. Hephaistos: Let us be gone, since he has got the fetters on his limbs. [Exit.] Kratos : There now, indulge your insolence, keep on wresting from the gods their honors to give them to creatures of a day. Are mortals able to lighten your load of sorrow? Falsely the gods call you Prometheus, for you yourself need forethought to free yourself from this handiwork. [Exit Kratos and Bia.] Ares god of war in Greek Mythology [ ? ]Subscribe To This Site Ares God of War in Greek Mythology Ares god of war is the son of Zeus and Hera and one of the twelve Olympians. His Roman name is Mars - although the Roman god is quite different. He was said to live in Thracia, a region where there were many warriors. The Amazons, his daughters, lived in Thracia too.

Ares god of war represented brutal force, he enjoyed the battles and the bloodshed and he didn't really care about fighting for a good cause - and he wasn't always the winner ;-) During the war of Troy, he tried to attack Diomedes - but the goddess Athena, hidden by a magic elm, diverted his javelot and helped Diomedes hit the god - guess what happened? Ares god of war gave a frightening cry (equal to the cry of 9.000 people fighting) and ran home, on Mount Olympus, where his daddy, Zeus, asked another god to cure his wounds - not before scoulding him ("you are the most despicable of all gods, you took after your mother" - of course, these were not the exact words, but they render the idea anyway). In the war of Troy, Athena also managed to knock him down with a stone - I guess the ancient Greeks were having a little fun in imagining the brutal force defeated by wisdom. Poor Ares god of war also had a tough time with the Aloades - he was caught by these two giants and locked into a bronze vase, where he stayed for 13 months.

He almost starved to death, hadn't it been for Hermes, who liberated him. The god of war was often accompanied by Eris, his sister (the goddess of Discord) and Hades (the god of the underworld). Even if rough and brutal, he was handsome, and he had many love affairs, with goddesses or with mortals. His most famous love was Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, (who was married with Hephaistos). Their adventure had an embarrassing ending. Helios, the Sun, who sees everything that happens on earth, saw them one day, while they were having a private meeting. He reported it to Hephaistos, who decided to take revenge, so he invented a magic, invisible net. The next time the two lovers met, they were caught in this net and shown to the other gods (the goddesses didn't want to come and look, it wouldn't have been appropriate - just imagine the gossip, afterwards!).

He and Aphrodite had several sons: Deimos (Terror) and Phobos (Fear), who accompanied their father in battle, but also, according to some sources, Eros (no need to explain his name!), Anteros (reciprocal love) and Armonia (Harmony, it wasn't too difficult, right?). Here are some of the other women he is said to have loved: Aglauros - they had one daughter, Alcippe. One day, when Ares was on a hill in Athens, he saw Allirotius, Poseidon's son, trying to assault his daughter, so he got terribly angry and killed Allirotius. Poseidon brought him in front of a court formed of all Olympians, but Ares was declared not guilty. The hill where the trial took place was called "Areopagus", from the god's name, and the Athenians held religious trials there.

Arpinna (or Euritoe, or Sterope) - they had one son, Enomaos Pelopia - they had one son, Cycnus Pirene - they had two sons, Diomedes of Thracia and Licaon, both very cruel Here are some pictures of Ares god of war (even if in paintings he is usually called "Mars") Venus and Mars, about 1485 Sandro Botticelli Mythology | Reference.com Mythology What is Greek mythology? A: Greek mythology is a collection of stories about Greek gods, goddesses, demi-gods and creatures that provide explanations for how things came into existence, natural order and certain Greek traditions. The earliest Greek myths were passed down orally during the Bronze Age, explains The History Channel. Q: Does Aphrodite have a weapon? A: Though not a weapon in the traditional sense, Aphrodite's great beauty and magic girdle compelled anyone seeing her to desire her and comply with her wishes. The Greek goddess of love, desire and beauty, Aphrodite is known as Venus in Roman mythology. Q: Who are Athena's allies and enemies?

A: Among Athena's allies were many heroes of Greek mythology, including Odysseus, Jason, Perseus and Heracles. Because she sided with the Greeks in the Trojan War, her enemies included Paris and the other defenders of Troy. Among the gods, her opponents included Hephaestus and Poseidon. Q: What are characteristics of Zeus? A: Zeus was usually depicted as regal, in control and strong. He gave wise counsel and was the supreme leader of all the gods. Zeus was quick to anger if disrespected, throwing thunderbolts from the heavens. His physique was that of an idealized mature man in the prime of his life. He was bearded, powerful, decisive, prudent and sexually potent. Zeus was notoriously lascivious. Q: In Greek mythology, what are the major accomplishments of Poseidon? A: Poseidon's infatuation with Demeter led to the creation of the horse. He built the impenetrable walls of Troy with the god Apollo. Poseidon unintentionally fathered many heroes, including Theseus, and many creatures, such as the Polyphemus and the Pegasus.

Poseidon's accomplishments are usually results of his volatile moods and uncontrolled urges, such as his seduction of Medusa in Athena's temple, which caused Medusa to transform into a gorgon. Q: Who were Athena's siblings? A: Athena's siblings included Persephone, the Dioscuri twins, Helen, Dike, Minos, Aphrodite, Artemis, Heracles, the Graces, the Muses, Apollo, Artemis, Daradanus Hephaestus, Hebe, Eileithyia, Ares and Dionysus. Athena is considered a lone child of Zeus because she was born from his head. Q: How did Poseidon become the god of the sea? A: According to the "Iliad" of Homer, when the three sons of Cronus and Rhea divided up the world by lot, Zeus became the god of the sky, Hades became the god of the underworld, and Poseidon became the god of the sea. In Greek mythology, Poseidon was not only the god of the sea and water, but also of earthquakes and horses. Q: What are Hermes' special powers?

A: The Greek god Hermes had the power to enter dreams, guide the souls of the dead to the underworld, and give luck and wealth. He also was the messenger of the gods of Olympus and had winged feet to help in this capacity. Q: What evils came out of Pandora's box? A: According to Greeka.com, the evils Pandora unleashes from the gilt box are sickness, death, turmoil, strife, jealousy, hatred, famine and passion–curses from Zeus because Prometheus steals fire and gives it to humanity. Although these evils are to plague humankind in perpetuity, Pandora’s box also contains hope. This is the second and more important part of the story that most studies of mythology ignore. Q: Who did Poseidon marry? A: Poseidon married Amphitrite, who was a Nereid, according to Greek mythology. Poseidon was god of the sea and brother to Zeus and Hades. Each god had his own realm. Like Zeus, Poseidon's love life was characterized by many extramarital affairs. Q: In Greek mythology, what were Ares' special powers? A: In addition to being an immortal god, Ares possessed overwhelming strength and physicality.

He was always armored and armed, and rode a huge chariot flanked by the demigods Phobos, Enyo, his sister Eris and Deimos. Ares was the Greek god of war and the son of Zeus and Hera. Q: When was Zeus born and when did he die? A: Zeus is a fictional mythological figure who is said to have been born in some undefined prehistoric period, and as such, there is no exact date for the character's supposed birth; additionally, there is no widely known classical reference to Zeus's death, which is perhaps unsurprising given that he was supposed to be an immortal god. There are multiple classical sources for the myth of Zeus' birth, including Hesiod's "Theogony," which states that Zeus was the son of Rhea, a child of Mother Earth, and Cronus, a Titan. Hesiod gives no specific date for this event, implying only that the birth of Zeus and other gods took place before mankind existed. Aphrodite | God of War Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and one of the many supporting characters in the God of War series.

Contents [ show ] Greek Mythology In Greek mythology, Aphrodite is the goddess of Love, Beauty, Seduction, Pleasure, and Happiness. There is more than one story about her origins. According to Hesiod's Theogony , she was born when Cronus cut off Uranus's genitals and threw them into the sea, and she arose from the sea foam (aphros). According to Homer's Iliad , she is the daughter of Zeus and Dione. Because of her beauty, other gods feared that their rivalry over her would interrupt the peace among them and lead to war, so Zeus married her to Hephaestus , who, because of his ugliness and deformity, was not seen as a threat. Aphrodite had many lovers - both gods, such as Ares , and men, such as Anchises. One day, the sun god Helios caught Ares and Aphrodite in their affair. When he told Hephaestus, the smith god decided to plan his revenge. He created an invisible net, which he set over the marriage bed.

No sooner had Hephaestus left their home, that Aphrodite called her lover and Ares snuck into the house and in bed with the naked goddess; but, just in the midst of their lovemaking, the net fell upon the two lovers, trapping and immobilizing them, locked in a very private embrace. Hephaestus immediately walked back to his bedchamber with a host of other gods and exhibited them as they were naked and wrapped in each other's arms. Her Roman equivalent is Venus. In the God of War Series God of War Aphrodite appeared in the first game in the city of Athens , presenting one of the tasks Kratos must pass: killing Medusa by decapitating her, and using her gaze as a weapon. Once the task is complete Kratos must then use the gaze to turn a few minotaurs into stone. She then allows Kratos to pass and continue his quest. God of War III Aphrodite was seen in bed, with her handmaidens , but when she sees Kratos, she tells them to leave.

She attempts to seduce Kratos, telling him, "Even though you are no longer the God of War, you can still share my bed." But Kratos was not amused. Annoyed, she reveals how she yearns for a "real man" to meet her, but since Zeus refused to let the imprisoned Daedalus finish the bridge, she has not had her wish granted and she expressed how much she dislikes Hephaestus. That's when she realizes that Kratos needs those bridges fixed and tells him that she might give him information only if Kratos pleases her (he must have sex with her). If he does, Kratos would be given Red Orbs. While having sex with her, the handmaidens say Kratos has "such power" and later they begin making love, as well. Aphrodite wanted Kratos to have sex with her again, but an impatient Kratos refused. Irritated, Aphrodite tells Kratos to go to Hephaestus for help instead. It is unknown if Aphrodite or her handmaidens were able to escape the palace when Gaia 's giant corpse destroyed all of Olympus.

Powers and Abilities As the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite possessed many powers. Astral Projection: She was able to communicate with Kratos in God of War through a magical image of her face in a doorway. Beauty Embodiement: Aphrodite's beauty was spellbinding, such that even Kratos could not bring himself to attack her. Beauty Inducement: She could also cause others to become beautiful. Immortality : Aphrodite is an immortal, as she cannot die through natural causes or weapons that can easily kill a mortal . Only other gods, divine weapons or other immortals, can probably harm her. Passion Manipulation: Aphrodite attracts both men and women. Love inducement: Aphrodite could cause other beings to fall in love with one another. Power Bestowel: Aphrodite granted Kratos the ability to wield Medusa's gaze. Shapeshifting: A small alteration to her appearance in God of War III is that Aphrodite has auburn hair, rather than the blond hair in God of War, implying that she too can alter her appearance. Telepathy: Aphrodite was able to perceive Kratos' mind when he encountered her.

None of the other Olympians displayed this ability like she did. This implies that, as she is the Goddess who oversees strong emotions such as love, this allows her to see into people's minds. Personality She seems to have a very carefree, yet promiscuous outlook on life. In fact, the only thing she cares about is having sex, and is actively neutral in the war Kratos is waging against the gods. This promiscuous nature seems more to do with the fact that she is the Goddess of Love, Beauty, Sexuality and Procreation, than it does with the opening of Pandora's Box . She loves making love rather than do anything else. Her only benchmark, it seems, for having intercourse with someone is whether or not she finds the man attractive enough to sleep with her. It is implied by her handmaidens that she is difficult to fully please sexually, due to her having so much experience in the matter (it's also most likely that she prefers having sexual intercourse with men, but since the bridges were nearly destroyed the only way to please her were her handmaidens). She was surprised when Kratos is able to nearly make her lose her composure with his own experience.

Appearance Aphrodite is considered to be flawlessly pretty. Aphrodite has long, auburn hair kept in a braid and pale blue eyes. Though she has in this new lifetime hazel brown eyes, hiding the pale blue that truly is her eye-color. Her body can be considered "perfect" since she is the Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Sexuality. She wears a revealing dress that exposes her perfectly sized and formed breasts (most likely to sexually appeal to mortals) and is barefoot. Trivia Aphrodite is voiced by Carole Ruggier in God of War and April Stewart in God of War III . Aphrodite had a strong romantic relationship with Ares in Greek mythology, mainly because she found his violent nature appealing. Since Kratos was more savage than Ares ever was, this may be what attracted Aphrodite to Kratos in the first place. Aphrodite is one of the very few gods not killed by Kratos, and one of very few to admire him. Director Stig Asmussen revealed in an interview that originally, before being scrapped, the idea would be when trying to do the sex mini-game a second time, the camera would pan out.

A record-scratching sound would then occur, and the camera would pan back to the bed. Aphrodite would then try to kill Kratos with the daggers hanging over the bed, initiating a quicktime-event to boot her down into Hades. It was however re-enforced that she would not be murdered. While Aphrodite is the goddess of love, desire, and sex, her over-the-top promiscuity is likely caused by the evils Vanity/Lust being unleashed from Pandora's Box. This is likely the case since Aphrodite behaved quite differently in God of War, becoming involved in Kratos' quest rather than thinking only about sex. Aphrodite appeared in the God of War II game booklet as one the gods who appear in the game, though she actually doesn't. In the God of War novel , Aphrodite is revealed to be the mother of twins, named Zora and Lora, whom Kratos encounters on the ship to Athens. In the Japanese version, Aphrodite and her Handmaidens aren't topless.

It is unknown why Aphrodite helped Kratos by bestowing the power of Medusa's Gaze upon him, as she had a relationship with Ares, the being Kratos wished to slay. It is likely that Aphrodite helped Kratos because Ares was a threat to Olympus. This indicates that the Goddess had a more noble side, at least before Pandora's Box was opened. Afterwards, she cared only about sex. In the God of War series, Aphrodite is shown as a daughter of Zeus. However, in the original mythology, she was born from Ouranos when his genitalia was thrown at the sea, making her, in fact, the half-sister of some Titans and Zeus ' aunt. Sex Mini-Game

Question: According to Greek mythology, who is the god of war?
Answer: Ares