General Information about Ares
Ares is the god of war. In Greek literature, he often represents the physical or violent aspects of war. His Roman manifestation, Mars, is pretty different from Ares. Ares doesn't show up in Greek myths as much as the other gods, but when he does, he is often humiliated. He is a lover of Aphrodite, who is married to Hephaestus (the god of craftsmanship). The most famous story related to Ares and Aphrodite shows the two getting caught by Hephaestus's trap and being embarrassed on Mount Olympus.
Unique qualities
Ares is known for the chaotic sides of war like bloodshed, panic, and mayhem. Ares is a very blood thirsty, violent god. He is known for being impulsive and taking whatever he wants. His lover, Aphrodite, is already married to someone else, but Ares still peruses her.
classical beliefs and worldviews through ares
Ares, along with many other male heroes in Greek literature, is a handsome, young male. He is also very strong and muscular. This tells us the Greeks thought of heroes as athletic, younger males.
common themes in myths about ares
Ares is not present in many myths, but when he does appear, it is usually just to fight a battle and/or face some sort of humiliation.
relevance of ares to modern readers
Ares was often humiliated because he acted so quickly and think things through. Readers today can learn from Ares to think before they act and to not let emotions cloud their judgment.
Shared experiences between ares and modern humans
Ares has gone through many of the experiences that today's reader can relate to. Ares has been embarrassed in front of all of his friends. He was caught with his secret lover Aphrodite in a trap created by her husband Hephaestus. Hephaestus broadcasted him catching the two to Olympus, where all the other gods watched and laughed. Many people have been embarrassed in front of their friends, and can relate to how Ares felt. Ares is also very hotheaded and bloodthirsty, so he lets his emotions get the better of him. Many people today can relate to this because their emotions take out and cloud their judgment.