Ares is often portrayed as a figure associated with the negative aspects of war, but labeling him purely "evil" is an oversimplification.
Ares, the Greek god of war, wasn't necessarily evil, but he embodied the brutal, chaotic, and destructive aspects of warfare, often lacking the strategic or noble qualities associated with Athena. He represented raw violence, bloodlust, and the indiscriminate slaughter of battle. While not inherently evil in the sense of actively plotting the downfall of others for personal gain, his impulsiveness and penchant for carnage often led to negative consequences.
Here's a breakdown:
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Negative Attributes: Ares was known for his love of violence for its own sake, his lack of strategic thinking, and his volatile temper. These traits frequently resulted in conflict and destruction. The reference states he is often associated with "chaos, violence, and bloodlust."
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Not inherently malevolent: Unlike some deities who actively scheme to harm mortals or other gods, Ares' actions were often driven by his inherent nature as the god of war rather than a conscious desire to inflict evil. He embodied the destructive aspects of war, which, while negative, weren't always motivated by malice.
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Comparison to other war deities: Comparing him to Athena, the goddess of strategic warfare and wisdom, highlights the difference. Athena represents the more civilized and reasoned aspects of war, while Ares represents its primal and destructive side.
In conclusion, while Ares' actions were often destructive and his character flawed, labeling him as purely "evil" is inaccurate. He represented the darker, more brutal side of war rather than actively engaging in malevolent acts for personal gain.
