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Essay / Athena Vs. Ares: The Greek God of War
The rivalry between Athena and Ares, the Greek gods of war, has been a topic of debate and discussion for centuries. In this essay, we will explore the history of these two powerful deities, their roles in Greek mythology, and the debates surrounding their contrasting personalities and attributes. As we examine the development of this topic, we will ultimately come to a resolution on the differences between Athena and Ares and how their unique qualities contribute to the overall understanding of war in Greek mythology. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay In Greek mythology, Athena is known as the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and war. She is often depicted as a wise and strategic warrior, who values intelligence and skill in combat. In contrast, Ares is the god of war and bloodlust, representing the brutality and violence of conflict. Although both deities are associated with war, their approaches and attitudes towards battle are very different. The rivalry between Athena and Ares can be seen in various myths and stories from Greek mythology. One of the most famous examples is the Trojan War, where Athena supports the Greeks with her wisdom and strategic advice, while Ares sides with the Trojans, reveling in the chaos and destruction of war. This contrast highlights the differences between the two gods and their respective roles in the war. An example that illustrates the rivalry between Athena and Ares is the myth of Gigantomachy, the battle between the gods of Olympus and the Giants. In this myth, Athena fights alongside Zeus and the other Olympian gods, using her strategic prowess and wisdom to defeat the Giants. Ares, on the other hand, revels in the violence and chaos of battle, embodying the brutal and bloodthirsty aspects of war. This contrast between Athena's strategic approach and Ares' brute force highlights the different ways of waging war. Additionally, in Homer's epic poem the Iliad, Athena and Ares are once again pitted against each other in the context of the Trojan War. Athena supports the Greek hero Achilles, providing him with guidance and protection, while Ares supports the Trojan hero Hector, urging him into battle and reveling in the carnage. This dynamic highlights the dichotomy between Athena's wisdom and strategy and Ares' aggression and violence, further emphasizing their contrasting roles in the war. In his work "Theogony", the ancient Greek poet Hesiod describes the birth of Athena from the head of Zeus, fully. armed and ready for battle. This origin story highlights Athena's association with wisdom and strategy, as she was born from the mind of the king of the gods. In contrast, Ares is depicted as the son of Zeus and Hera, embodying the primal and violent aspects of war. This distinction in their origins further reinforces the differences in their personalities and attributes. The development of the topic of Athena versus Ares led to a resolution that recognizes the importance of both deities in Greek mythology. While Athena represents the strategic and intellectual aspects of war, Ares embodies the raw power and brutality of conflict. Together, they provide a comprehensive picture of war as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Overall, the rivalry between Athena and Ares highlights the complexity of warfare and the different approaches that can be taken in times of conflict. While Athena represents the intellectual and strategic aspects of war, Ares embodies the aggressive and violent nature of.