Ares, the Greek god of war, is one of the most complex and often misunderstood figures in Greek mythology. He is known for embodying the chaotic and violent aspects of battle, yet his feelings and emotions are multifaceted, reflecting both the brutal nature of war and a deeper vulnerability. Understanding how Ares feels requires looking into his personality, his relationships with other gods, and the cultural significance of his role in ancient Greece.
The Nature of Ares’ Emotions
Ares is often portrayed as a god driven by intense passion, aggression, and a desire for conflict. His emotions can be seen as a reflection of the violent and tumultuous nature of war itself, where anger, fear, and excitement mix. However, beneath the surface of his aggressive persona, Ares’ feelings are far more complex.
1. Anger and Rage
Ares is frequently depicted as being consumed by anger. This is a central aspect of his character—he thrives in battle, where rage fuels his actions. Unlike Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, Ares represents uncontrolled fury in war. His anger isn’t always directed at a specific person but is often an intrinsic part of his nature. In battle, Ares feels the exhilaration of violence and the rush of power that comes with it.
- The Thrill of Combat: Ares feels joy in the chaos of battle, where he can exercise his might. His emotions are fueled by the violence around him, and he feeds off the bloodshed and the clash of armies.
2. Disdain for Weakness
As the god of war, Ares holds a deep disdain for weakness. He values strength, courage, and aggression above all else. This trait is often reflected in how he interacts with mortals and other gods. For example, Ares frequently shows contempt for those who avoid conflict or try to negotiate peace, seeing them as cowards or weaklings. His feelings are aligned with a brutal, survival-of-the-fittest mentality.
- Pride in Power: Ares feels proud of his strength and warrior spirit. He views his dominance in battle as a source of pride, and any form of compromise or avoidance of conflict is seen as dishonorable in his eyes.
3. Loneliness and Rejection
Despite his central role in Greek mythology, Ares is not always portrayed in a positive light. His feelings of loneliness and rejection are significant aspects of his character. Ares is often seen as an outsider among the gods, particularly because of his violent nature and chaotic approach to war.
- Relations with Other Gods: While Ares has the respect of certain gods, especially those associated with violence or conflict (such as Eris, the goddess of discord), many gods, such as Zeus and Hera, view him with disdain. This rejection from the other Olympians can make Ares feel isolated. In many stories, he is not invited to banquets or celebrations held by the other gods, which highlights his emotional alienation.
- His Relationship with Aphrodite: Ares’ relationship with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is another indication of his emotional depth. Although they share a passionate affair, Ares’ love for Aphrodite is complicated. Aphrodite, despite being married to Hephaestus, has a strong attraction to Ares, yet the relationship is more about physical passion than mutual affection. This can leave Ares feeling conflicted, as he seeks something deeper than just lust, but Aphrodite remains distant emotionally.
4. Rivalry and Frustration
Ares often finds himself in direct rivalry with other gods, particularly with Athena. Athena, the goddess of wisdom, represents a different kind of warfare—one that is strategic and planned. Ares’ emotional turmoil arises from this stark contrast between him and Athena, who embodies the idea that intellect should govern the chaos of war.
- Frustration with Athena: While Ares represents raw aggression, Athena represents the tactician and the planner. This rivalry is a source of deep frustration for Ares, who feels that his way—through sheer force—is the right approach, yet he knows that Athena often outshines him in battle through strategy. This competition highlights Ares’ vulnerability and insecurity about his place among the gods.
Ares’ Feelings Toward Mortals
Ares has a complex relationship with mortals, as he enjoys war but also has a deep, sometimes sadistic, interest in their suffering. However, his feelings toward mortals are not entirely negative. Ares sees warriors and soldiers as worthy of his respect, particularly those who show great courage and fight bravely in battle. He feels respect for those who take part in conflict, but also indifference to the pain and destruction it causes.
- Admiration for Courage: Ares feels a deep connection with warriors, viewing them as his followers and protégés. He is most pleased when he sees mortals acting with bravery and valor, particularly in the heat of battle. These warriors gain his favor, though his regard for them is often fleeting and tied to their ability to fight.
- Indifference to Death: Ares’ feelings towards death are equally as complicated. While he may not mourn the fallen, he feels the thrill of death as part of his domain. To him, death is an inevitable and necessary outcome of war, not something to be feared or regretted.
Ares, the Greek god of war, embodies the extreme emotions tied to conflict—rage, pride, frustration, and loneliness. His feelings are deeply rooted in his nature as a deity of violence and battle, but they also reveal a complex emotional landscape marked by rivalry, isolation, and longing for something deeper than mere conquest. While he is often seen as a figure of sheer aggression, Ares also has moments of vulnerability, particularly in his interactions with other gods and mortals. His character reminds us that even the most feared gods have emotional depth, and their feelings can be as intense and multifaceted as the wars they rule over.