Zeus's animosity towards Ares stemmed from the god of war's volatile, bloodthirsty nature, and his frequent instigation of conflict without strategic purpose.
While the provided reference paints a more sympathetic picture of Ares as a father, the prevailing narrative within Greek mythology depicts him as a chaotic force that Zeus, as the king of the gods and upholder of order, consistently opposed. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Ares's Destructive Tendencies: Ares reveled in the violence and bloodshed of war, often siding with whichever side offered the most brutal fighting. This disregard for justice or strategic advantage clashed with Zeus's role as a leader concerned with the overall stability and well-being of Olympus and the mortal world.
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Zeus's Desire for Order: As king, Zeus was responsible for maintaining order among the gods and intervening in mortal affairs to prevent chaos. Ares's actions frequently undermined this order, creating unnecessary conflict and disrupting the balance Zeus sought to achieve.
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Ares's Lack of Strategic Thinking: Unlike Athena, the goddess of strategic warfare, Ares was portrayed as impulsive and driven by pure aggression. This made him a poor strategist and a liability in any conflict requiring thoughtful planning. Zeus, valuing wisdom and foresight, likely viewed Ares's approach to war as reckless and foolish.
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Conflict with Other Gods: Ares's violent nature often led to conflicts with other Olympian gods, including Athena, who consistently defeated him in battle due to her superior tactical skills. These internal conflicts further disrupted the harmony of Olympus and contributed to Zeus's disapproval.
In essence, Zeus hated Ares because Ares's nature was antithetical to Zeus's role as a ruler and upholder of order. While Ares's protective nature towards his children might have provided him with some redeeming qualities, his overall behavior as a god of war was seen as disruptive and undesirable by Zeus.
