Ares vs. Hermes

Attribute	Ares	Hermes
God of	War	Trade, thieves, travelers, and messenger of the gods
Symbol	Spear and shield	Winged sandals and caduceus
Personality	Aggressive, violent	Trickster, cunning
Parents	Zeus and Hera	Zeus and Maia
Children	Phobos, Deimos, Eros, and Harmonia	Pan, Hermaphroditus, and Abderus

Introduction

When it comes to Greek mythology, two of the most well-known gods are Ares and Hermes. Ares is the god of war, known for his fierce and aggressive nature, while Hermes is the messenger of the gods, associated with communication, travel, and cunning. Despite their differences in roles and attributes, both gods play important roles in Greek mythology and have unique characteristics that set them apart.

Physical Attributes

Ares is often depicted as a tall and muscular god, with a fierce and intimidating appearance. He is usually shown wearing armor and carrying a spear or sword, ready for battle. In contrast, Hermes is portrayed as a youthful and athletic god, often depicted with wings on his sandals and a caduceus in hand. Hermes is known for his speed and agility, which is reflected in his physical appearance.

Personality Traits

Ares is characterized by his aggressive and warlike nature. He is quick to anger and enjoys the chaos and destruction that comes with battle. Ares is often portrayed as impulsive and hot-headed, making decisions based on his emotions rather than logic. On the other hand, Hermes is known for his cunning and wit. He is a trickster god who enjoys playing pranks on other gods and mortals. Hermes is also a protector of travelers and merchants, using his intelligence to outsmart his enemies.

Role in Greek Mythology

Ares is primarily associated with war and conflict in Greek mythology. He is often called upon by the gods to intervene in battles and protect warriors on the battlefield. Ares is also known for his love affair with Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, which often leads to jealousy and conflict among the other gods. In contrast, Hermes plays a more versatile role in Greek mythology. He is the messenger of the gods, delivering messages between the gods and mortals. Hermes is also a guide for souls traveling to the underworld and a protector of travelers and thieves.

Symbolism

Ares is often associated with symbols of war and violence, such as swords, spears, and shields. He is also linked to the color red, which represents bloodshed and conflict. Ares' animal symbol is the dog, known for its loyalty and ferocity in battle. On the other hand, Hermes is symbolized by the caduceus, a staff with two snakes coiled around it, which represents commerce and negotiation. Hermes' animal symbols are the rooster and the tortoise, which symbolize cunning and agility.

Relationship with Other Gods

Ares is often at odds with other gods in Greek mythology, particularly Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. The two gods are rivals on the battlefield, with Athena representing strategic warfare and Ares embodying brute force and aggression. Ares is also known for his tumultuous relationship with Aphrodite, which often leads to conflict and drama among the gods. In contrast, Hermes is well-liked by the other gods for his wit and charm. He is often called upon to mediate disputes and deliver messages between the gods, earning him the title of "the messenger of the gods."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ares and Hermes are two distinct gods in Greek mythology with unique attributes and roles. Ares is the god of war, known for his aggressive nature and love of battle, while Hermes is the messenger of the gods, associated with communication and cunning. Despite their differences, both gods play important roles in Greek mythology and are revered for their individual strengths and abilities.