7. Ares

Ares is the god of Warfare and Men’s Virtue. His symbols are a spear, helmet, dog, chariot and a boar.

His parents are Zeus and Hera. Ares’ children are Eros, Anteros, Phobos, Deimos, Phlegyas, Harmonia and Andresta. Deimos (terror) and Phobos (fear) and his children are his assistants in war. His son Enyalius was also with him in war as well as Nike, the spirit of victory.

His sister Eris (the goddess of discord) or Enyo (the goddess of war, bloodshed and violence) were also his assistant in war.

Story of Ares and Hill of Justice

Once Ares killed one of Poseidon’s son Halirrhothios because he (Halirrhothios) had attacked Alcippe who was a son of Ares. Poseidon then brought Ares to appear in front of the gods to find if he was guilty or not. He was found not guilty and was cleared of all charges. The hill where this was held is called Areopagus which means hill of Ares which was famous as being a hill of justice.

Story of Ares and Cadmus/ War and Peace

Ares’ son was a dragon which was killed by Cadmus, a warrior prince, during the foundation of Thebes, a city in Greece. To make peace with Ares, Cadmus then married Harmonia daughter of Ares and Aphrodite stopping all trouble between Ares and Cadmus. This story is told as an example of a peaceful end to dispute.