All of the War Deities in Greek Mythology

PDF download Download Article
Greek mythology expert Carla Ionescu discusses the Greek gods of war
PDF download Download Article

The Greeks worshipped many gods and goddesses as war deities, whether they represented the brutal nature of combat, strategic wisdom, or victory. If you’re curious to learn more about these deities, keep on reading below! We’re going over the major and minor gods and goddesses of war in Greek mythology, including their abilities and family tree, with some key insights from a Greek mythology expert and a comparative mythologist. Plus, we’ll go over some other prominent war deities in other cultures.

Which Greek gods are associated with war?

Download Image
Download Image
An illustration of the major and minor Greek war deities.

Greek mythology expert Carla Ionescu says the main deities of war in Greek mythology are Ares and Athena. Ares is associated with brutality and violence, and Athena with warfare, strategy, and wisdom. Other Greek deities of war include Eris (discord), Enyo (war), Phobos and Deimos (fear), and Nike (victory).

Section 1 of 3:

Greek Gods and Goddesses of War

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Ares
    Ionescu says that Ares is the main Greek god of war, but she adds that he wasn’t often worshipped by the Greeks as such. “He’s actually often worshiped as a god of agriculture in the spring,” she says.[1] He’s also the god of courage, and he’s associated with brutal warfare, violence, and destruction. He’s almost always depicted with a helmet, spear, and shield, symbolizing his role as a deity of battle. Most Greeks and Greek gods were repulsed and horrified by Ares due to his bloodlust and undignified nature. Plus, he is often described as vain and a sore loser![2]
    • Parents: Zeus (god of thunder and the sky, and king of the gods) and Hera (goddess of women and marriage, and queen of the gods)
    • Partner: Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty)
    • Children: Phobos (god of fear/panic), Deimos (god of terror/dread), Harmonia (goddess of harmony), Anteros (god of requited love), Otrera (Amazon warrior), Hippolyta (Amazon warrior), and many more
    • Roman syncretization: Ionescu says that the Romans changed Ares’ name to Mars. She says that the Romans were much more battle-oriented, so they worshiped Mars for his war-like characteristics.[3]

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Carla Ionescu is an ancient history expert and the leading scholar on the Greek goddess Artemis. She teaches at the University of York and runs the Artemis Research Center, an online learning center.

    Maria Souza is a comparative mythologist with a postgraduate degree in Comparative Mythology from the Dédalus Institute. She’s also the host of the Women and Mythology Podcast.

  2. Step 2 Athena
    Athena began as the goddess of wisdom, then was eventually adapted into a goddess of war and battle, says Ionescu. She adds that Athena was widely worshipped by the Greeks, and that she’s usually depicted with a shield and a spear.[4] Comparative mythologist Maria Souza agrees, adding that Athena is also the goddess of strategy, and that she represents intellect (particularly women’s intellectual power).[5] She’s seen as a prudent and ethical figure who desires justice. She usually helps plan battles, provides counsel during them, and valiantly leads warriors into battle. Plus, she is revered as the Greeks’ protector, particularly in her patron city, Athens.[6]
    • Parents: Zeus (and technically Metis). According to myth, Zeus received a prophecy that one of Metis’ children would be more powerful than him, explains Souza. So, he swallows Metis but develops a horrible headache. He opens up his head and out springs Athena, fully grown, dressed in her warrior garments, and chanting a warrior chant![7]
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
    • Roman syncretization: Ionescu says that Athena became Minerva in Roman culture. She adds that ironically, the Romans were less interested in her warlike battlements.[8]
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Eris
    Eris is the goddess of discord, strife, and rivalry (though, in some myths, she’s described as the personification of these concepts), and is particularly associated with conflict on the battlefield. She’s infamous for declaring war, and like Ares, she revels in the bloodshed and chaos. Eris is well known for her vengeful behavior—her most famous myth is about her sowing discord between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite because she wasn’t invited to a wedding. This act ultimately starts the Trojan war![9]
    • Parents: Nyx (goddess/personification of night)
    • Partner: None
    • Children: Hysminai (personifications of combat), Machai (personifications of battle), Phonoi (personifications of murder), Androktasiai (personifications of slaughter), Dysnomia (personification of lawlessness), Ponos (personification of hard labor), Lethe (personification of forgetfulness), Limos (personification of hunger/starvation), Algae (personifications of pain and suffering), Horkos (personification of the curse for swearing a false oath), and many more
  4. Step 4 Enyo
    Enyo is the goddess and personification of war. She’s particularly known for destroying towns, sacking cities, and generally causing chaos. In many myths, she’s regarded as Ares’ close companion, who joins him in battles and shares his love for bloodshed. She simply loves war, and often fights for both sides! In later history, she and Eris were often identified as the same deity.[10]
    • Parents: Possibly Zeus and Hera, as Enyo is often described as Ares’ sister or twin
    • Partner: None
    • Children: Possibly Enyalius (god of war; likely with Ares)
  5. Step 5 Pallas
    Pallas is a Titan and the god of warcraft and battle. Not much is said about Pallas besides the warlike gods he fathered, as the Titans were usurped by Zeus and the Olympian gods. However, he is briefly mentioned in the myth about the Titan war between the Olympians, though it’s not favorable to him! Athena strikes Pallas down and then uses his skin to make her aegis (either a cloak, shield, or breastplate).[11]
    • Parents: Crius (Titan with no major role) and Eurybia (goddess of the sea)
    • Partner: Styx (goddess of the river in the underworld)
    • Children: Nike (goddess/personification of victory), Kratos (god/personification of strength), Bia (goddess/personification of force), and Zelus (god/personification of zeal and rivalry)
  6. Step 6 Nike
    Nike is the goddess (and sometimes personification) of victory in battle, contests, and other competitions. She has wings and is usually depicted holding a palm branch, sash, or lyre (all of which represent victory). Nike is often invoked by gods and heroes before they engage in battle to help their chances of winning. She’s also an attendant of Zeus, earning her spot after being one of the first gods to agree to battle the Titans with him.[12]
    • Parents: Pallas and Styx (in some myths, her father is Ares)
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  7. Step 7 Phobos and Deimos
    Phobos and Deimos and brothers and both gods of fear: Phobos is the god of panic and Deimos is the god of dread. They’re the sons of Ares and fight alongside him in battle, famously driving his chariot onto the field to incite fear and confusion among the enemy. Other gods and heroes use the brothers’ likenesses to inspire terror, too. For instance, Heracles has a shield with Phobos’ face on it, and Athena is said to adorn her cloak with Phobos.[13]
    • Parents: Ares and Aphrodite
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  8. Step 8 Enyalius
    Enyalius is a minor god of war, who’s sometimes described as one of Ares’ forms (as Enyalius is a popular epithet for Ares, meaning “warlike”), and sometimes regarded as a distinct and separate god from Ares. In these latter myths, Enyalius is one of Ares’ attendants and is often invoked right before combat begins.[14]
    • Parents: Possibly Ares and Enyo
    • Partner: None
    • Children: none
  9. Step 9 Polemos
    Polemos is the personification of war. However, he’s not prominent in any myths besides being named as the father of Alala (another war deity). Polemos does later appear in one of Aesop’s fables, where he’s briefly mentioned as being married to Hybris, the personification of pride.[15]
    • Parents: Unknown/Not stated
    • Partner: None
    • Children: Alala
  10. Step 10 Homados
    Homados is the personification of the din or sounds of battle, including cries, shouts, and clashing weapons. He’s not a major figure in mythology, but he is mentioned as one of the figures depicted on Heracles' shield (along with Phobos, Eris, and other war deities). Some also regard Homados as one of the Machai.[16]
    • Parents: Unknown/Not stated
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  11. Step 11 Ioke
    Ioke is the personification of onslaught, pursuit, battle-tumult, and retreat of the defeated (rout). She is best known for being a part of Athena’s and Zeus’ aegis (cloak/shield/breastplate), helping to spark fear and horror in their enemies. Ioke is also thought to be one of the Machai.[17]
    • Parents: Unknown/Not stated
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  12. Step 12 Alala
    Alala is the personification of the war cry or battle cry. In myths, soldiers invoke her before a battle starts and serve as her sacrifices for their cities. She’s also thought to be one of the Machai.[18]
    • Parents: Polemos
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  13. Step 13 Alke
    Alke is the personification of strength and bravery in battle. She’s a very minor figure, who’s most noted for appearing on Athena’s and Zeus’ aegis. It’s also possible that Alke is one of the Machai.[19]
    • Parents: Unknown/Not stated
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  14. Step 14 Kydoimos
    Kydoimos is the personification of the confusion and uproar of battle, making him quite similar to Homados. His only real mention in mythology is being depicted on Heracles’ shield. Kydoimos is likely one of the Machai, though he’s not explicitly mentioned as one.[20]
    • Parents: Unknown/Not stated
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  15. Step 15 Proioxis
    Proioxis is the personification of the onrush and pursuit in battle, representing one of the key portions of the battle surge. She’s the sister of another war deity, Palioxis, and is one of the many battle deities depicted on Heracles’ shield. It’s also thought that Proioxis is one of the Machai.[21]
    • Parents: Unknown/Not stated
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  16. Step 16 Palioxis
    Palioxis is the personification of the backrush and retreat in battle, symbolizing one of the parts of the battle surge. Her sister is Proioxis, and she’s also featured on Heracles’ shield. Some regard her as one of the Machai, though she’s not explicitly named as one.[22]
    • Parents: Unknown/Not stated
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  17. Step 17 The Machai
    The Machai are the collective name for the various personifications of war and battle. However, it’s not explicitly mentioned in myth who makes up the Machai—they’re only briefly mentioned as being the children of Eris.[23]
    • Parents: Eris
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  18. Step 18 The Androktasiai
    The Androktasiai are female personifications of the slaughter of men in battle. It’s not explicitly stated who is a part of this group, however. The Androktasiai are only briefly mentioned as being depicted on Heracles’ shield.[24]
    • Parents: Eris
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  19. Step 19 The Hysminai
    The Hysminai are the female personifications of fighting and combat. It’s possible that they mostly personify non-war combat, like fist-fights, though this distinction isn’t made explicit in mythology.[25]
    • Parents: Eris
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  20. Step 20 The Phonoi
    The Phonoi are the collective name of the personifications of murder. They might personify murder outside of war, though the kind of murders they personify isn’t explicitly stated in mythology.[26]
    • Parents: Eris
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  21. Step 21 The Keres
    The Keres are the female personifications of violent death, particularly death on the battlefield. They’re described as fierce, terrifying creatures with long claws and sharp teeth who hover over the battlefield looking for blood to drink; in many myths, the gods attempt to drive them away from their favorite heroes. The Keres work for the Fates (Moirai), hunting down dying people, ripping out their souls, and feasting on their blood.[27]
    • Parents: Nyx
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  22. Step 22 Bia
    Bia is the winged goddess/personification of force, power, and compulsion, and is often associated with violence. She’s not featured prominently in any myths, but she does fight alongside Zeus in the war against the Titans, which earns her a spot by his throne (along with her siblings Nike, Kratos, and Zelus), where she works as his attendant.[28]
    • Parents: Pallas and Styx
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  23. Step 23 Kratos
    Kratos is the winged god/personification of strength and might. Along with his siblings Nike, Bia, and Zelus, he fights on Zeus’ side against the Titans. So, Zeus honors him with a spot by his throne and a role as his attendant.[29]
    • Parents: Pallas and Styx
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
  24. Step 24 Zelus
    Zelus is the winged god/personification of rivalry, emulation, jealousy, and zeal. He fought with Zeus against the Titans, earning him a spot as one of Zeus’ attendants along with his siblings Nike, Bia, and Kratos.[30]
    • Parents: Pallas and Styx
    • Partner: None
    • Children: None
    25. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Less Prominent Greek Gods and Goddesses of War

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most of the major Greek gods have some role in war and battle. The gods feature heavily in many myths about war, like the Trojan War, and many have protective roles over certain peoples and cities. While they’re not regarded as deities of war in myth (as that title belongs to Ares and Athena), they still have some war-like responsibilities. Some of these gods include:
    • Zeus: Zeus is the king of all the other gods and the one responsible for overthrowing the Titans and putting the Olympians in power. One of his popular epithets is Areius, meaning “warlike.”[31]
    • Hera: Hera is the queen of all the other gods and primarily the protector of women during childbirth. Some smaller cults may have worshipped her as a defender of men, as Alexandros is one of her popular epithets (meaning “defender of men”).[32]
    • Poseidon: Poseidon is the god of the sea and storms, and is regarded as a protector of seafarers and fishermen. He also plays a large role in the Trojan War.
    • Aphrodite: While a goddess of love and famously not skilled in battle (as the Iliad depicts), Aphrodite did have the epithet Areia (warlike) in Sparta and was represented in full armor (similar to her lover, Ares).[33]
Section 3 of 3:

War Deities in Other Cultures

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most cultures have a war deity in their mythologies or religions. The majority of war deities are associated with combat, violence, strategy, courage, victory, and protection, offering a way to keep their people safe and in control. Here are a few prominent war deities in different cultures:[34]
    • Mars, the Roman god of war, agriculture, and fertility
    • Minerva, the Roman goddess of war and wisdom
    • Bellona, the Roman goddess of war
    • Odin, the Norse god of warfare, the dead, and wisdom
    • Freyja, the Norse goddess of war, love, beauty, and fertility
    • Týr, the Norse god of war and justice
    • Montu, the Egyptian god of war
    • Menhit, the Egyptian goddess of war and the sun
    • Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war and medicine
    • Erlang Shen, the Chinese god of war, justice, hunting, and water
    • Jiutian Xuannü, the Chinese goddess of war, love, and longevity
    • Chiyou, the Chinese god or demon of war and violence
    • Hachiman, the Japanese god of war and archery
    • Takemikazuchi, the Japanese god of war, swords, and thunder
    • Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and victory
    • Inanna/Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of war, love, and fertility
    • Nergal, the Mesopotamian god of war, death, and disease
    • Ninurta, the Mesopotamian god of war, agriculture, hunting, and healing
    • Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of war and the sun
    • Kū, the Hawaiian god of war, politics, farming, and fishing
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Ares ChildrenWho Are the Children of Ares in Greek Mythology?
12 OlympiansWho Are the 12 Olympians in Greek Myth? A Deep Dive
Ares SymbolThe Symbols of Ares, the Greek God of War & Courage
Which Greek God Are YouWhich Greek God Am I Quiz
Minor Greek GoddessesThe Minor Goddesses of Greek Mythology
Greek Mythology QuizGreek Mythology Trivia Test
Greek Gods Family TreeThe Family Tree of the Greek Gods
Minor Greek Gods50 Minor Gods & Goddesses of Greek Mythology
Greek Demigods20 Popular Demigods from Greek Mythology
Who Are the Wives of ZeusWho Is Zeus’ Wife? His 7 Marriages, Explained
Study Greek Mythology
How to
Study Greek Mythology
Greek Myths with HermesHermes Myths, Powers, & Roles in Greek Mythology
Zeus PersonalityWhat Was Zeus' Personality Like? (And Other Facts about the Greek God)
Names for Male Greek Gods120+ Male Greek Mythology Names You Should Know
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Carla Ionescu, PhD. Ancient Historian. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/ares-deity
  3. ↑ Carla Ionescu, PhD. Ancient Historian. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Carla Ionescu, PhD. Ancient Historian. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Maria Souza. Comparative Mythologist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/athena-deity
  7. ↑ Maria Souza. Comparative Mythologist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Carla Ionescu, PhD. Ancient Historian. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Eris.html
  1. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Enyo.html
  2. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Titan/TitanPallas.html
  3. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Nike.html
  4. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Deimos.html
  5. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Enyalios.html
  6. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Polemos.html
  7. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Homados.html
  8. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Ioke.html
  9. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Alala.html
  10. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Alke.html
  11. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Kydoimos.html
  12. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Proioxis.html
  13. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Palioxis.html
  14. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Makhai.html
  15. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Androktasiai.html
  16. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Hysminai.html
  17. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Phonoi.html
  18. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Keres.html
  19. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Bia.html
  20. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Kratos.html
  21. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Daimon/Zelos.html
  22. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Cult/ZeusTitles.html
  23. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Cult/HeraCult2.html
  24. ↑ https://www.theoi.com/Cult/AphroditeTitles.html
  25. ↑ https://www.historyextra.com/period/general-history/war-gods-goddesses-deities/

About This Article

Carla Ionescu, PhD
Co-authored by:
Carla Ionescu, PhD
Ancient Historian
This article was co-authored by Carla Ionescu, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Carla Ionescu, PhD, is an ancient historian specializing in Greek religion, mythology, and sacred landscapes, with a focus on Artemis and the ancient Mediterranean world. With over a decade of teaching and research experience, Dr. Carla combines academic scholarship with field research, site exploration, and public education. She is the founder of the Artemis Research Centre and creator of the Artemis Mapping Project, an international initiative documenting sanctuaries and sacred sites connected to Artemis. Through her books, lectures, workshops, podcasts, and educational content, she makes ancient history and religion accessible to broad audiences while drawing on firsthand travel and research across Greece, Turkey, Sicily, and the wider Mediterranean. Dr. Carla holds a PhD in Ancient History. This article has been viewed 3,248 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: June 12, 2026
Views: 3,248
Categories: Paranormal Beliefs
In other languages
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,248 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement