War Gods and Goddesses - A List By N.S. Gill Updated October 14, 2015. War and strife have never been far from human society. For the ancients, war was a way of life, and its varied expressions and nuances determined a host of patron deities. The Greeks, for example, distinguished between the art of war as influenced by the goddess Athena and the primal bloodlust craved by the war god Ares. In other cultures, war and violence formed integral parts of their creation myths, such as the Aztecs and the Sumerians . Below you will find a list of the war gods and goddesses from Agasaya to Zroya. Aris Aris See More Aris Pictures > Ares was the god of war, and son of Zeus and Hera . He represented the raw violence and untamed acts that occured in wartime, in contrast to Athena , who was a symbol of tactical strategy and military planning. He was disliked by both his parents. Whenever Ares appeared in a myth, he was depicted as a violent personality, who faced humiliation through his defeats more than once.

In the Iliad, it is mentioned that Zeus hated him more than anyone else; Ares was also on the losing side of the Trojan War , favouring the Trojans. He was the lover of his sister, Aphrodite , who was married to Hephaestus . When the latter found out about the affair, he devised a plan and managed to humiliate both of them. The union of Ares and Aphrodite resulted in the birth of eight children, including Eros , god of love. There were few temples attributed to Ares in Ancient Greece. Sacrifices would usually be made to him when an army would march to war; Spartans would make sacrifices to Enyalius, another lesser god and son of Ares and Enyo . However, the name was also used as a byname for Ares . When Ares went to war, he was followed by his companions, Deimos (terror) and Phobos (fear), who were the product of his union with Aphrodite . Eris , goddess of discord and sister of Deimos and Phobos , often accompanied them in war. Aris Is also called Mars, Ares. Is Kratos the Greek God of War?

Share By deTraci Regula Kratos gets star billing as the God of War in the popular video game "God of War". But is Kratos really the Greek god of War? The real Greek god of war, Ares , might have a thing or two to say about that. Kratos is a fictional character made up by game creator David Jaffe, not a mythical one. While Kratos is loosely based on the idea of a Greek god and/or a Spartan hero, he is not part of the ancient and official pantheon, though he interacts with them in the game. There was a spirit (daimon) or minor god of strength called Kratos or Cratus , but he was generally only encountered as part of a guardian of the throne of Zeus, always subservient to his will. Since Kratos is fictional , created for the purposes of the game, his interactions with the Greek gods and goddesses are only loosely based on mythology. Kratos's Appearance: Vigorous big muscled man with ash-grey skin. Kratos' Symbols or Attributes: Double chained swords. Kratos's Strengths: Powerful, strong, skilled fighter.

continue reading below our video Before Your Road Trip, Watch This Kratos's Weaknesses: Constantly enraged - which can be an advantage in battle. Major Temple Sites of Kratos to Visit: As a fictional character, there are no sites in Greece legitimately associated with him. However, Mount Oympus frequently features in the game. Kratos's Birthplace: Sparta Kratos's Spouse: None known in the game so far Kratos's Parents: In the game story, Zeus is said to be the father of Kratos. This is certainly consistent with Greek mythology, as Zeus was the father of many. Kratos's Patrons: Kratos is initially a follower of the real Greek god of War, Ares. In the story, he is also assisted by Athena , Gaia, and other gods and goddesses. Children: None in the game story so far. Basic Story: In the game "God of War" Kratos is a Spartan fighter and follower of Ares. Ares eventually tricks him into killing his own family, and Kratos ends up killing Ares and becoming the new God of War on Mount Olympus. He is also called the "Ghost of Sparta" in the game.

Interesting Fact: While not a real Greek god, Kratos does have a typically Greek-sounding name. Actually, the "-os" ending is pre-Greek, and is only found in words which predate the Greek language. Many Minoan words, such as Minos or Knossos, end in -os, but we don't know the ancient Minoan name of their Greek god of war, or if they even had one. Athena or other goddesses may have filled that role for the Minoans. As a Spartan, it's not surprising Kratos has been given a name ending in "-os", as the Minoans had close ties with ancient Sparta and it is believed that Sparta preserved many aspects of the then-vanished Minoan culture. Compare Prices on "God of War" games. "God of War" Video Game Strategies More Fast Facts on Greek Gods and Goddesses: 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 • 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 ENYO - Greek Goddess of War (Roman Bellona) ENYO Translation Warlike (enyo) ENYO was the goddess or personified spirit (daimona) of war. She was the female counterpart and close companion of the god Ares Enyalios. Enyo was closely identified with Eris , the goddess of strife. Indeed Homer does not appear to distinguish between the two goddesses. She was also connected with the Anatolian goddess Ma and the Roman Bellona.

FAMILY OF ENYO ZEUS & HERA (Quintus Smyrnaeus 8.424) OFFSPRING ENYALIOS (by Ares ) (Eustathius on Homer 944 &/or Roman Antiquities) ENCYCLOPEDIA E′NYO (Enuô), the goddess of war, who delights in bloodshed and the destruction of towns, and accompanies Mars in battles. (Hom. Il. v. 333, 592; Eustath. p. 140.) At Thebes and Orchomenos, a festival called Homolôïa was celebrated in honour of Zeus, Demeter, Athena and Enyo, and Zeus was said to have received the surname of Homoloïus from Homoloïs, a priestess of Enyo. (Suid. s. v.; comp. Müller, Orchom. p. 229, 2nd edit.) A statue of Enyo, made by the sons of Praxiteles, stood in the temple of Ares at Athens. (Paus. i. 8. § 5.) Among the Graeae in Hesiod (Theog.

273) there is one called Enyo. Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES ENYO GODDESS OF WAR Homer, Iliad 5. 333 ff (trans. Lattimore) (Greek epic C8th B.C.) : "[The] goddesses, who range in order the ranks of men in fighting, [are] Athene (Athena) and Enyo, sacker of cities." Homer, Iliad 5. 590 ff : "And with him followed the Trojan battalions in their strength; and Ares led them with the goddess Enyo, she carrying with her the turmoil of shameless hatred." Aeschylus, Seven Against Thebes 41 ff (trans.

Weir Smyth) (Greek tragedy C5th B.C.) : "[The leaders of the army of the Seven Against Thebes :] Seven warriors, fierce regiment-commanders, slaughtered a bull over a black shield [before the commencement of battle], and then touching the bull's gore with their hands they swore an oath by Ares, by Enyo, and by Phobos (Rout) who delights in blood, that either they will level the city and sack the Kadmeans' (Cadmeans') town by force, or will in death smear this soil with their blood." Callimachus, Hymn 2 to Apollo 85 ff (trans. Mair) (Greek poet C3rd B.C.) : "The belted warriors of Enyo." Callimachus, Hymn 4 to Delos 275 ff : "On thee [the island of Delos] treads not Enyo nor Haides (Death) nor the horses of Ares (War) [i.e. the island was sacrosanct and so free of war]." Pausanias, Description of Greece 4. 30. 5 (trans.

Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "In the Iliad he [Homer] represented Athena and Enyo as supreme in war." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 1. 365 ff (trans. Way) (Greek epic C4th A.D.) : "Who is so aweless--daring, who is clad in splendour-flashing arms : nay, surely she shall be Athene, or the mighty-souled Enyo--haply Eris (Strife)." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 2. 525 ff : "'[Akhilleus (Achilles) and Memnon engage each other in battle :] Twixt these Enyo lengthened out the even-balanced strife, while ever they in that grim wrestle strained their uttermost . . . Those glorious sons of gods, nor ever ceased from wrath of fight. But Eris (Strife) now inclined the fatal scales of battle, which no more were equal-poised." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 5.

25 ff : "[Among the images decorating the shield of Akhilleus (Achilles) :] And there were man-devouring wars, and all horrors of fight . . . Phobos (Panic) was there, and Deimos (Dread), and ghastly Enyo with limbs all gore-bespattered hideously, and deadly Eris (Strife)." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 8. 186 ff : "[The Greek heroes Neoptolemos and Eurypylos are engaged in combat :] Hard by them stood Enyo, spurred them on ceaselessly : never paused they from the strife . . . Eris (Strife) incarnate watched and gloated o'er them." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 8. 286 ff : "Stalked through the midst [of the battle] deadly Enyo, her shoulders and her hands blood-splashed, while fearful sweat streamed from her limbs. Revelling in equal fight, she aided none, lest Thetis' or Ares' (the War-God's) wrath be stirred." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 8.

424 ff : "Many of them [soldiers battling at Troy] dyed the earth red: aye waxed the havoc of death as friends and foes were stricken. O'er the strife shouted for glee Enyo, sister of Ares (War)." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 11. 7 ff : "The Akhaians (Achaeans) pressed hard on the Trojans even unto Troy. Yet these charged forth--they could not choose but so, for Eris (Strife) and deadly Enyo in their midst stalked, like the fell Erinnyes (Furies) to behold, breathing destruction from their lips like flame. Beside them raged the ruthless-hearted Keres (Fates) fiercely: here Phobos (Panic-fear) and Ares there stirred up the hosts: hard after followed Deimos (Dread)." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 11. 151 ff : "The black Keres (Fates) joyed to see their conflict [the Greeks and the Trojans], Ares laughed, Enyo yelled horribly.

With corpses earth was heaped, with torrent blood was streaming: Eris (Strife incarnate) o'er the slain gloated." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 11. 237 ff : "[Aeneas and Neoptolemos engage in combat :] Enyo level held the battle's scales." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 12. 436 ff : "[The Trojans drag the Wooden Horse into the town Troy :] Grimly Enyo laughed, seeing the end of that dire war." Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 13. 85 ff : "[The Greek army enters Troy :] In deadly mood then charged they on the foe. Ares and fell Enyo maddened there : blood ran in torrents." Philostratus the Elder, Imagines 2. 29 (trans.

Fairbanks) (Greek rhetorician C3rd A.D.) : "We see in the plain corpses upon corpses, and horses lying as they fell, and the arms of the warriors as they slipped from their hands, and this mire of gore in which they say Enyo delights." Anonymous, Persian War of Diocletian and Galerius Fragment (trans. Page, Vol. Select Papyri III, No. 135) (Greek poetry C4th A.D.) : "They, maddened by Enyo's lash, all girded on their quivers full of arrows, each armed his hand with bow and spear." Tryphiodorus, Sack of Ilium 560 ff (trans. Mair) (Greek poetry C5th A.D.) : "[The slaughter at the sack of Troy :] Enyo, revelling in the drunkenness of unmixed blood, danced all night throughout the city, like a hurricane, turbulent with the waves of the surging war.

And therewithal Eris (Strife) lifted her head high as heaven and stirred up the Argives; since even bloody Ares, late but even so, came and brought to the Danaans the changeful victory in war." Oppian, Halieutica 2. 24 ff (trans. Mair) (Greek poet C3rd A.D.) : "The gifts of Ares are swords and brazen tunics to array the limbs and helmets and spears and whatsoever things Enyo delights in." Ovid, Heroides 15. 135 ff (trans. Showerman) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "Thither in frenzied mood I course, like one whom the maddening Enyo has touched, with hair flying loose about my neck. My eyes behold the grots, hanging with rugged rock--grots that to me were like Mygdonian marble." Valerius Flaccus, Argonautica 4. 604 ff (trans. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) : "The Amazones (Amazons) . . .

such a sort and of such might as Enyo triumphant over men." Statius, Thebaid 8. 655 ff (trans. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) : "[In the war of the Seven Against Thebes :] Enyo, afire with torch fresh-charged and other serpents, was restoring the fight. They yearn for battle, as though they had but lately borne the opening shock of combat hand to hand, and every sword still shone bright and clear." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 5. 40 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) : "[In the battle between Kadmos (Cadmus) and the Aionians (Aeonians) :] To both armies alike Eris (Strife) joined Enyo and brought forth tumult." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 2. 358 & 2. 475 ff : "[When the monster Typhoeus engaged Zeus in battle :] Eris (Strife) was Typhon's escort in the mellay, Nike (Victory) led Zeus into battle . . .

impartial Enyo held equal balance between the two sides, between Zeus and Typhon, while the thunderbolts with booming shots revel like dancers in the sky." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 7. 7 ff : "[Aion (Father Time) addresses Zeus :] ‘Lord Zeus! behold yourself the sorrows of a despairing world! Do you not see that Enyo [goddess of war] has made the whole earth mad, mowing season by season her harvest of quick-perishing youth?’" Nonnus, Dionysiaca 17. 316 ff : "[During Dionysos' war against the Indians :] The cruel mellay was not ended yet : the struggle was only half done, the conflict unfinished. Indian Ares appeared on high and shouted loud; Bakkhos' (Bacchus') [Dionysos'] mad Enyo marshalled them for another bout, belching a loud of frenzied Lydian threats in the renewed battle, hurling on the foe volleys of deadly garlands, furious for war." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 17.

376 ff : "[At the close of a battle between the army of Dionysos and the Indians :] By this time then the barbarian goddess Enyo had quieted her voice among the fighters." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 20. 35 ff : "[The Indian War of Dionysos :] Godborn Dionysos! Deriades [the Indian King] summons you to battle, and you make merry here! Stepmother Hera mocks you, when she sees your Enyo (Warrior Spirit) on the run." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 33. 55 ff : "[The Indian War of Dionysos :] Battlestirring Ares in mortal shape, with Enyo by his side . . . has armed himself against Dionysos at Hera's bidding and supports the Indian king [Deriades]." Nonnus, Dionysiaca 39. 361 ff : "Their assault woke a new conflict: Enyo went before their sails." Suidas s.v. Enyo (trans.

Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek lexicon C10th A.D.) : "Enyo : A goddess of war." BELLONA ROMAN GODDESS OF WAR Bellona was the Roman goddess of war whom the Latin poets identified with the Greek Enyo. Ovid, Metamorphoses 5. 155 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "[In the battle between Perseus and the supporters of Phineus in the halls of King Kepheus (Cepheus) of Aithiopia (Ethiopia) :] Bellona fouled the gods of hearth and home with flooding gore and stirred fresh scenes of violence." Seneca, Hercules Furens 686 ff (trans. Miller) (Roman tragedy C1st A.D.) : "[At the entrance to the Underworld :] The foul pool of Cocytus' sluggish stream lies here; here the vulture, there the dole-bringing owl utters its cry, and the sad omen of the gruesome screech-owl sounds.

The leaves shudder, black with gloomy foliage where sluggish Sopor (Sleep) [Hypnos] clings to the overhanging yew, where sad Fames (Hunger) [Limos] lies with wasted jaws, and Pudor (Shame) [Aidos], too late, hides her guilt-burdened face. Metus (Dread) [Deimos] stalks there, gloomy Pavor (Fear) [Phobos] and gnashing Dolor (Pain) [Algos], sable Luctus (Grief) [Penthos], tottering Morbus (Disease) [Nosos] and iron-girt Bella (War) [Enyo]; and last of all slow Senectus (Old Age) [Geras] supports his steps upon a staff." Valerius Flaccus, Argonautica 2. 228 ff (trans. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) : "Bellona flashed her sword o'er their heads." Valerius Flaccus, Argonautica 3.

60 ff : "[The battle between the Argonauts and the Kolkhians (Colchians) :] Lo! Above the open portals appeared Bellona with bare flank, her brazen weapons clanging as she moved, and as with triple plume she smote the housetop she cried thence to the king [Aeetes]. He distraught follows the goddess along the city walls, onward to the fight that was to be his last." Statius, Thebaid 2. 718 ff (trans. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) : "Nor did ever Mavors [Ares] or Bellona with her battle-spear inspire more furious trumpet-blasts [than Athena]." Statius, Thebaid 3. 424 ff : "[Heralding the war of the Seven Against Thebes :] Amid the night-wandering shades the god of battle [Mars-Ares] from on high made to resound with the thunder of arms the Nemean fields and Arcadia from end to end, and the height of Taenarum and Therapnae . . . filled excited hearts with passion for himself [war].

Furor (Fury) and Ira (Wrath) make trim his crest, and Pavor (Panic), his own squire, handles his horses' reins. But Fama (Rumour), awake to every sound and girt with empty tidings of tumult, flies before the chariot, sped onward by the winged steeds' panting breath, and with loud whirring shakes out her fluttering plumes; for the charioteer [Bellona-Enyo] with blood-stained goad urges her to speak, be it truth or falsehood, while threatening from the lofty car the sire [Mars-Ares] with Scythian lance assails the back and tresses of the goddess." Statius, Thebaid 4. 5 ff : "[Heralding the start of the first battle of the War of the Seven Against Thebes :] First from the Larissaean height Bellona [Enyo] displayed her ruddy torch, and with right arm drove the spear-shaft whirling; hissing, it flew through the clear heaven, and stood fixed on the high rampart of Aonian Dirce [the city of Thebes bracing for war].

Then to the camp she goes and, mingling with the heroes that glittered in gold and steel, shouts like a squadron; she gives swords to hurrying warriors, claps their steeds and beckons gateward; the brave anticipate her promptings and even the timid are inspired to short-lived valour." Statius, Thebaid 5. 155 ff : "[The women of Lemnos plan to slay their husbands :] They pledged their solemn word, and thou wast witness, Martian [i.e. of Mars] Enyo, and thou, Ceres of the Underworld [Persephone], and the Stygian goddesses [the Erinyes] came in answer to their prayers." Statius, Thebaid 7. 64 ff : "[During the war of the Seven Against Thebes :] With bloody hand dark Bellona guides the team [of horses] and plies them hard with her long spear." Statius, Thebaid 10. 855 ff : "[During the war of the Seven Against Thebes :] Bellona with blood-stained brand drew nigh to graze their [the Thebans] towers to the ground." Statius, Achilleid 1.

25 ff : "Bellona brings from the vessel [of Paris] amid uplifted torches a new daughter-in-law [Helene] to Priam [i.e. ‘War’ heralds the arrival of Helen in Troy]." CULTS OF ENYO & MA I. ATHENS Chief City of Attica (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 7. 4 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "[In the sanctuary of Ares at Athens] is also an image of Enyo, made by the sons of Praxiteles." II. ANITAUROS City in Cappadocia) Kappadokia) (Anatolia) Strabo, Geography 12. 2. 3 (trans. Jones) (Greek geographer C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "In this Antitauros [in Kappadokia (Cappadocia), Asia Minor] are deep and narrow valleys, in which are situated Komana (Comana) and the temple of Enyo, whom the people there call Ma." [N.B. the Greeks identified Enyo with the Anatolian goddess Ma.] III.

PHRYGIAN MOUNTAINS Phrygia (Anatolia) Valerius Flaccus, Argonautica 7. 634 ff (trans. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) : "The anger of the mournful Mother [Rhea-Kybele (Cybele)] rends every year the frenzied Phrygians, as Bellona [i.e. the Anatolian goddess Ma] lacerates the long-haired eunuchs." SOURCES 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 Mars Mars by Micha F. Lindemans The god of war, and one of the most prominent and worshipped gods. In early Roman history he was a god of spring, growth in nature, and fertility, and the protector of cattle. Mars is also mentioned as a chthonic god (earth-god) and this could explain why he became a god of death and finally a god of war. He is the son of Jupiter and Juno . According to some sources, Mars is the father of Romulus and Remus by the Vestal Ilia ( Rhea Silvia ). Because he was the father of these legendary founders of Rome, and thus of the Roman people, the Romans styled themselves 'sons of Mars'.

His main sanctuaries where the temple on the Capitol, which he shared with Jupiter and Quirinus, the temple of Mars Gradivus ("he who precedes the army in battle") where the Roman army gathered before they went to war, and the temple of Mars Ultor ("the avenger"), located on the Forum Augustus. The Campus Martius ("field of Mars"), situated beyond the city walls, was also dedicated to him. Here the army was drilled and athletes were trained. In the Regia on the Forum Romanum, the 'hastae Martiae' ("lances of Mars") were kept. When these lances 'moved', it was seen as a portent of war. The warlord who was to lead the army into battle had to move the lances while saying 'Mars vigila' ("Mars awaken"). As Mars Gradivus, the god preceded the army and led them to victory. He had several festivals in his honor. On March 1, the Feriae Marti was celebrated. The Armilustrium was held on October 19, and on this day the weapons of the soldiers were ritually purified and stored for winter. Every five years the Suovetaurilia was held.

During these fertility and cleansing rites, a pig (sus), a sheep (ovis) and bull (taurus) were sacrificed. The Equirria were on February 27 and March 14, on which horse races were held. The Quinquatrus was on March 19 and the Tubilustrium on March 23, on which weapons and war-trumpets were cleansed. The priests of Mars, who also served Quirinus, were called the Salii ("jumpers"), derived from the procession through the streets of the city which they completed by jumping the entire way and singing the Carmen Saliare. Mars' own priest was called the flamen Martialis. Mars is portrayed as a warrior in full battle armor, wearing a crested helmet and bearing a shield. His sacred animals are the wolf and the woodpecker, and he is accompanied by Fuga and Timor, the personifications of flight and fear. The month March (Martius) is named after him (wars were often started or renewed in spring). His Greek equivalent is the god Ares .

Article details: 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.

Question: In Greek mythology who is the God of War?
Answer: Ares