Background of Greek Mythology

Background of Greek Mythology

Gaea, the earth, and her son Uranus, the heavens, produced the Titans. The Titans were the old gods who were supplanted by the Olympian gods. Their mother Gaea was probably a Neolithic earth mother who was pushed into the background by the patriarchal gods of the Indo-Europeans who invaded Greece during the second millennium B.C. Their son, Coronus was the chief Titan, a ruling god who obtained his power by castrating his father Uranus. Coronus married his sister Rhea, and together they produced the Olympian gods, whom Coronus swallowed at birth to prevent them from seizing the throne. His son Zeus defeated him and the other Titans and bound them in the underworld.

Zeus was the supreme god of the Greeks and was portrayed as a strong, mature man with a flowing beard. At first a storm-god who used the thunderbolt, Zeus became the All-Father who populated the heavens and the earth by his immoral contact. He finally became the grand dispenser of justice. His palace was on Mount Olympus, together with the homes of the other Olympians.

Birth

Ares, the God of War, is the son of Zeus and Hera. Ares had two children with Aphrodite. His children's names were Eros and Harmonia. The birth of Ares is somewhat unknown. People believe that Ares was not born from Zeus but was born when Hera touched a flower.

Main Traits and Symbols

Ares, the Greek god of war, is tall and handsome and was cruel. When Ares heard the clashing of arms, he grinned with glee, put on his gleaming helmet, and leapt into his war chariot. Showing off his sword, he rushed into the thick of battle, not caring who won or lost as long as blood was shed. A vicious crowd followed at his heels, carrying with them pain and panic. He was immortal. However, whenever he would get hurt he would run back to his father, Zeus and was healed. Needless to say, Zeus was very disgusted with his son. Ares was mainly worshipped in Thracia, a region known for its fierce people. Ares symbol was the spear he used in battle and the others were the vulture and dog. His sole weakness is his impulsive personality, and his bloodthirsty ways of life. His strengths were fearless, determined, and decisive.

Early Life

There is not much written about Ares', the God of War, early life. Ares had black hair. He had green eyes. Also, he was six feet, eight inches tall. He had skills in strategy. Also he had a very important skill, military etiquette. On the outside, Ares was fierce and warlike but on the inside he was truly a coward. Before he was the god of war, he was the god of agriculture, which was why he was so fond of plants and the growing season.

Stories of Love

Kathleen Daly wrote that Ares was interested in the goddess Aphrodite, though Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus. Ares and Aphrodite were dallying together when their relationship was rudely interrupted. The god of the sun, Helios, spied the pair in enjoying each other one day. Helios promptly reported the incident to Hephaestus, who was understandably angry. Hephaestus contrived to catch the couple "in the act", and so he fashioned a net to catch the illicit lovers. At the appropriate time, the net was sprung, and trapped Ares and Aphrodite. Hephaestus was not yet satisfied with his revenge, for he invited the Olympian gods and goddesses to view the unfortunate pair. For the sake of humility, the goddesses protested, but the male gods went and witnessed the sight. Some commented on the beauty of Aphrodite, while others remarked that they would eagerly trade places with Ares.

Stories of War

Ares fights with Athena.

Ares's sister, Eris, Goddess of Discord, and Hades, Lord of the Dead