Greek Gods and Myths

Ares, also known as Mars was the God of War and Homicide. Ares was usually to be found in the company of his children with Aphrodite, Phobos Fear, and Deimos Terror. Ares had many powers including immortality, he ability to start a battle with the snap of a finger, a chariot driven by two gold - bridled fire - breathing stallions. Lastly, Ares was able to shape shift.

Family and Relatives

Ares parents were Hera and either Zeus or a magical herb. Ares brothers and sisters are Apollo,  Artemis, Elithyia, Hebe, Hephaestus, and Athena. His children were Himeros Desire, Pothos Desire, Phobos Fear, Deimos Terror, Armonia Harmony, Eros Love, Anteros Mutual Love, and Alcippe.

Physical Appearance and Symbols

Ares was a gigantic humanoid that was depicted as a handsome man in myths. He was either and old bearded man or  young clean - shaven man. He always wore armor and carried a bloodstained spear and shield. Ares' symbols included the spear, and the helmet. His sacred animal was the serpent (Greek "drakon"). His sacred birds were the vulture (Greek "gups"), the woodpecker (Greek "ipne"), the Barn Owl (Greek "aigolios") and the Eagle Owl (Greek "buas"). His sacred planet was Mars (named after Mars, the Roman god or war identified with Ares). The Greeks themselves called the planet "Aster Areos" (Star of Ares). His sacred day was Tuesday (named after the Germanic god Tiu or Tyr, who was identified with Mars, the Roman Ares). The Greeks called the day "Hemera Areos" (Day of Ares).

Ares Celebrations

Ares had no festivals but he was the patron god of both Sparta and Thrace. He was the patron god of Sparta because Spartans were very warlike, always in battle, and loved to fight just like Ares. Ares was the patron god of Thrace because it was his birthplace and second home, aside from Mt. Olympus.

Conclusion

Ares was he first Greek god to be tried on the Aeropagus. He lived on Mt. Olympus and his chaired was made of human skin.  He killed the giant Echidnades, a fierce monster and enemy of the gods. He was caught in an invisible net by Hephaestus while committing adultery with his wife Aphrodite.Eris, the goddess of discord, was his companion who always preceded his chariot in battle. He sided with the Trojans in the Trojan war against the Greeks, but was wounded in battle with the hero Diomedes and the goddess Athena.