Who does Zeus hate the most?

Who Does Zeus Hate the Most?

In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus was the king of the gods and the ruler of the skies. He was feared and respected by all gods and mortals alike, but there were a few individuals who earned his deep-seated hatred. According to various myths and narratives, Zeus hated Ares, the god of war, more than any other being.

Reasons for Zeus’ Wrath

There were several instances where Zeus’ wrath toward Ares was evident. First and foremost, Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera, making him a half-brother to the other Olympian gods. However, despite being a god, Ares was known for his brutal and bloodthirsty nature, which horrified Zeus and the other gods.

Another reason for Zeus’ hatred was Ares’ involvement in the siege of Troy. Ares fought alongside the Trojans, led by Pride (Personification of Pride), King Priam’s son Hector, and Prince Paris against the Greeks. Zeus did not approve of Ares’ actions, as it was against the gods’ code of conduct to actively participate in mortal conflicts. Additionally, Ares was known for his cowardice and lack of honor, leading Zeus to despise him even more.

Interesting Facts

Here are some additional facts that highlight Zeus’ disdain for Ares:
• In the Iliad, during the Trojan War, Poseidon, Athena, Hera, and Zeus themselves helped the Greeks, while Hephaestus, Gaia, and Aphrodite supported the Trojans. Ares played a significant role in causing chaos and destruction, something that Zeus detested (Homer, 165-170).
• The myth of The Last Judgment tells us that Zeus will judge all humanity and gods at the end of time. In his judgment, Ares’ crimes will be revealed to the world, and the god of war will likely face severe punishment or at least a severe retribution (Hesiod’s Theogony).
• Pride** (Personification) was the main antagonist and the one who orchestrated Ares’ involvement in the Trojan War. This ultimately led to Zeus’ enmity towards Ares, as the king of the gods disapproved of Ares’ actions taken under the influence of this pride (Homer).

Conclusion

In Greek mythology, Zeus was generally depicted as a powerful, wise, and just leader. However, there are instances where his wrath knew no bounds, particularly toward Ares, the god of war. Zeus viewed Ares as a degenerate and a coward due to his involvement in human conflicts and his brutal fighting style. As the Olympian gods’ leader and the ruler of the universe, Zeus would not let such behavior go unpunished.