Who Is Ares?
Ares is a character from the Supergiant video games ‘Hades’ (2020) and it’s sequel ‘Hades II’ (2025). He is an interpretation of Ares, the ancient Greek god. Just as in Greek mythology, Ares in ‘Hades’ is the God of War, more specifically the violent, bloodlust and physical aspects of war and battle whereas his sister Athena is more specifically the goddess of strategic warfare. In both games he offers his support and power to the main player characters in the form of ‘boons’.
Why Do I Like Him?
I’ve developed such a strong love for and defensive stance on Ares, both the character in ‘Hades’ and the Greek god, which might seem strange to those who know I’m so uncomfortable with violence. I feel he is often only seen as a violent, bloodthirsty monster and liking or worshipping would result in you being judged. But as someone who is part of marginalised groups, I think there is such strength and hope in Ares. Violent war can be an oppressor, but also the oppressed revolting. Is it not a war to get out of bed every day when you have depression? Is it not a war to continue existing as a trans person?
Ares is shown as wanting to make connections with other people, especially his family, who in turn reject him. He admires and tries to be friends with Artemis but she cringes away from him and finds him “embarrassing”. He is clearly not Zeus, his father’s, favourite despite Ares’ desire to make his father proud of him. He is the only one of the Olympians who has any respect for the Chthonic gods and Hades despite not liking Ares admits that Ares isn’t the type to lie. The only one of his family who openly gets along with Ares is Aphrodite, who again praises him for being authentic and doesn’t pretend to be anything he is not. I suppose I automatically have a fondness for any character who is the black sheep of their family, not accepted, viewed a too strange, starved of affection and acceptance, and I’m someone who can relate to that from my own family life and from being trans and autistic. I feel he is misunderstood and wrongly vilified.
Keepsakes
Blood-Filled Vial
From Ares; you share a Blood-bound Bond. Some of the strongest kinships form during the darkest of circumstances. The next Boon you find will be from Ares. His blessings have +10/15/20% chance to be Rare or better.
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Sword Hilt
From Ares. Some of the strongest bonds of all are forged between the veterans of war. A Boon of Ares is likely. You can Rarify his Common/Rare/Epic blessings once this night.
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My Art (newest to oldest)
