VeriaDracul

@nublethailand · 13 Sep 2024

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Ares: The God of War Beyond the Stereotype

Ares, the Greek god of war, is often portrayed as a brutal, aggressive deity who revels in destruction. However, a deeper dive into mythology and history reveals a more complex and intriguing figure.

More Than Just Violence

• Feared and Respected: While feared for his ferocity, Ares was also revered as a protector of soldiers and city-states. This reverence stemmed not from an admiration for violence but from an understanding of the necessity of war in ancient times to defend territories and power.
• Internal Conflict: Ares embodied the inner conflicts of humanity: courage, anger, hatred, and the destructive urges that lurk within us all. He represented the dark side of human nature that exists in everyone.
• Symbol of Power: Ares symbolized raw, untamed power. This power could be both creative, as in building new empires, and destructive, as in razing cities and claiming lives.

Ares Through Greek Eyes

• Unpopular Deity: Ares was not as popular as other gods like Zeus or Athena due to his association with violence and death. The Greeks, seeking peace and harmony, generally shunned the god of war.
• Contrast with Athena: Both Ares and Athena were gods of war, but their approaches were vastly different. Athena represented just and rational warfare, employing intelligence and strategy. Ares, on the other hand, embodied chaotic and brutal conflict.
• Embodiment of Chaos: Ares was linked to the chaos and confusion of war. Warfare often brought loss and suffering, and Ares represented these afflictions.

Ares in History and Culture

• Influence on Warfare: Ares influenced the beliefs and behaviors of ancient warriors. Soldiers would pray to Ares for victory in battle. This was not a desire for violence but a plea for strength to defend their homes and loved ones.
• Artistic Depiction: Ares is commonly depicted as a strong, armed young man with a fierce expression. This imagery conveys the power and intimidation associated with the deity.
• Modern Interpretations: In modern media, Ares is often used to represent violence and conflict in video games and movies. However, these interpretations vary widely depending on the context.

Conclusion
Ares is a complex and multifaceted deity. He is more than just a god of violence; he represents power, conflict, and the fears that reside within the human psyche. Studying Ares provides insight into ancient beliefs about war and violence, and it offers a deeper understanding of human nature.