ARES (AIR-eez; Roman name
Mars) was the god of war, or more
precisely of warlike frenzy. Though
an immortal deity, he was bested by
Heracles in battle and was almost
killed when stuffed into a jar by two
giants. When another hero wounded
him during the Trojan War, he
received scant sympathy from his
father Zeus.
In appearance, Ares was handsome
and cruel. He is often depicted
carrying a bloodstained spear. His
throne on Mount Olympus was said
to be covered in human skin.
The Roman god Mars, with whom
Ares was identified, was the father of
Romulus and Remus, the
mythological founders of Rome. Thus
he was more important to the
Romans than his Greek counterpart.
He was also more dignified.
