ARES (AIR-eez, Roman name Mars) The god of war and one of the great Olympian gods of the Greeks. He is represented as the son of Zeus and Hera. The character of Ares in Greek mythology will be best understood if we compare it with that of other divinities who are likewise in some way connected with war .Athene represents thoughtfulness and wisdom in the affairs of war, and protects men and their habitation during it's ravages Ares, on the other hand, is noting but the personifications of bold force and strength, and not so much the god of war as of its tumult, confusion, and horrors, His sister Eris calls forth war, Zeus directs its course, but Ares loves war for its own sake, and delights in the din and roar of battles, in the slaughter of men, and the destruction of towns. He is not even influenced by party-spirit, but sometimes assists the one and sometimes the other side, just as his inclination may dictate; whence Zeus calls him alloposallos. (ll.v.889.) The destructive hand of this god was even believed to be active in the ravages made by plagues and epidemics.