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ARES (AIR-eez;
Roman name Mars) was the god of war, or more precisely of
warlike frenzy. Though an immortal deity, he was bested
by Heracles in battle and was almost killed when stuffed
into a jar by two giants. When another hero wounded him
during the Trojan War, he received scant sympathy from
his father Zeus.
In appearance, Ares was handsome and cruel. He is often
depicted carrying a bloodstained spear. His throne on
Mount Olympus was said to be covered in human skin.
The Roman god Mars, with whom Ares was identified, was
the father of Romulus and Remus, the mythological
founders of Rome. Thus he was more important to the
Romans than his Greek counterpart. He was also more
dignified.
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