Why Ares and Athena Were Destined to Be Sworn Enemies

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Among gamers and fans of Greek mythology, few rivalries generate more discussion and debate than the one between Ares and Athena. As the god and goddess embodying contrasting aspects of war, their hatred and conflicts were ordained.

At its core, Ares envied Athena‘s favor with their father Zeus. But overlapping domains, opposing tactics, humiliating defeats, and Athena‘s superior popularity also ensured these half-siblings would be destined to lock horns for eternity.

The Roots of Ares‘ Hatred

From the start, Zeus favored level-headed Athena over the more reckless Ares, praising his daughter‘s composed approach to war, wisdom and strategy. By contrast, he saw Ares as a loose cannon. This blatant preference gnawed at the war god‘s pride.

According to mythology experts, feeling robbed of the validation he desired, Ares channeled his frustration into despising Athena. Behaving rashly to provoke Zeus also risked driving the father figure further into Athena‘s corner.

So Athena‘s privileged position as Zeus‘ beloved child stands as the core root making Ares‘ hatred inevitable even before her birth. Her later victories over Ares only salted these simmering wounds.

Like Siblings, Like Rival Deities

As deities governing warfare, Athena and Ares were destined to bang heads. Athena represented:

  • Strategy, tactics, prudence
  • Defense, protection
  • Measured violence and bloodshed

By contrast, Ares embodied:

  • Chaos, turmoil, excess of war
  • Brutality, rage, mania
  • The primal thrill of killing

These diametrically opposed aspects ensured intense clashes over authority related to warriors, conquest and bloodshed were unavoidable. Both sought to spread influence in these realms between mortals and gods.

DomainAthenaAres
TacticsFavoredRejected
ChaosAvoidedRelished
MortalsGuidedManipulated

Like ferocious siblings fighting for control, both were determined to dominate war‘s narrative. Ares would never bow to Athena‘s restraint, while she saw him as everything wrong with war. Coexistence was impossible with both seeking total supremacy. Their father Zeus forcing them to share this space ensured endless feuds.

Humiliating Defeats That Fanned the Flames

During the legendary Trojan War, rivalry boiled over into outright violence between Ares and Athena…

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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