Last Update: 12 Mar 2021

Ares, the fierce God of War and Defence

Ares was the Olympian god of war and defense and the figure behind all kind of violence

Personality of Ares
Just like his mother Hera, Ares had a very difficult character and was therefore rather unpopular with the other deities and the people. For this reason, no Greek city wanted him as their patron. He often had conflicts and fights with his half-sisters Artemis and Athena , especially during the Trojan War.

Ares' Way of Life
Ares had his residence on top of Mount Olympus and his throne was padded with human skin. He was usually accompanied by Eris, the goddess of discord.

Appearance of Ares
Ares was a simple warrior with nimble feet. He usually rode a chariot and wore a helmet on his head. In his hands he held a shield, a sword, or a spear.

Interesting Facts about Ares
Ares was the first Greek god to be tried on the hill of the Areopagus, the highest council of Ancient Greece. Ares was accused by the Greek god Poseidon of murdering his son Alirrothios because Allirrothios had tried to rape Ares' daughter Alkippe.

The month of March was named in honour of Ares (Mars), and war dances were held during this time.



Symbols of Ares
The symbols of Ares were his weapons, the shield and the spear. According to legend, the shape of the male gender symbol (a circle with an arrow sticking out of it) is associated with the weapons of Ares.
The sacred animal of Ares was the dog.