Ares
by CTCWeb Editors
Associated Rituals
An important part of the nature of a god or goddess may be discerned from the rituals performed for the favor of that god or goddess. Students should look at the rituals performed in favor of Ares. After looking at Ares as a personality they should investigate whether Ares’ rituals are as violent as what the god himself represents. Students will also want to look at where the rituals are performed, who performs the rituals, and whether the societies that include these rituals in their religious practices worship only Ares or Ares along with other gods and goddesses.
Below are some textual examples of ritual sacrifices to Ares and rituals that are part of the festivals for Ares.
1. A warrior’s sacrifice and oath to Ares: Aeschylus, Seven Against Thebes line 44.
2. The people of Papremis, Egyptians, reenact the visitation of Ares with his mother. The ritual is rather violent as the reenactment includes beating priest with clubs. People often died but it was all part of the festival and ritual. See Herodotus, History 2.63.1-4.
3. The Scythians make altars, shrines and sacrifices to Ares only. Herodotus, History 4.59.2.
4. Scythian sacrifices to Ares include human sacrificing. The Scythians sacrifice one of every on hundred prisoners they take in battle to Ares each year. Herodotus, History 4.62.1-3.
5. The Thracians worship only three gods, one being Ares. Herodotus, History 5.7.1.
Questions
1. Are the rituals associated with Ares purposively violent like the god? If so how? If not, what is the reason for performing the ritual in such a manner?
2. Why would the Scythians sacrifice war prisoners to Ares?
3. Do some research on the Scythians, why might they only worship Ares? Are they particularly violent people? Do they see Ares as only a war god or does he encompass other anthropomorphic traits as well?
