Ares Battles the Giants (Pergamon)
Ancient Greek Mythology, Religion, Art
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Stories about Ares characterize him and enjoying battle simply for the sake of bloodshed, never really caring who won or lost. Curiously he was also something of a coward and quickly ran back to his father, Zeus, whenever injured. Images of Ares almost always depict him with helmet, armor, and weapons, although a frieze on the Parthenon may have an image of him without the accouterments battle.
Magnanimous, unconquered, boisterous Ares, in darts rejoicing, and in bloody wars; fierce and untamed, whose mighty power can make the strongest walls from their foundations shake: mortal-destroying king, defiled with gore, pleased with war's dreadful and tumultuous roar. Thee human blood, and swords, and spears delight, and the dire ruin of mad savage fight. Stay furious contests, and avenging strife, whose works with woe embitter human life; to lovely Kypris [Aphrodite] and to Lyaios [Dionysos] yield, for arms exchange the labours of the field; encourage peace, to gentle works inclined, and give abundance, with benignant mind. - Orphic Hymn 65 to Ares
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