Tall, Handsome, Savage and Brave!
Ares
Chaotic God of Warriors and Battle
Homeric Hymn:
TO ARES (17 lines)
(ll. 1-17) Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-
helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, Saviour of cities,
harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the
spear, O defence of Olympus, father of warlike Victory, ally of
Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of righteous
men, sceptred King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere
among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aether
wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third
firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless
youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and
strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter
cowardice from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of
my soul. Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes
me to tread the ways of blood-curdling strife. Rather, O blessed
one, give you me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of
peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of
death.
Orphic Hymn:
To Ares
- Fumigation from Frankincense -
Magnanimous, unconcerned, stormy Ares,
Who rejoices in keen arrows and bloody wars,
Fierce and untamed, whose mighty power can shake the strongest walls from their foundations.
King who destroys mortals with blood and swords and spears and the dreadful screams of battle,
You are the dire ruin of the savage fight.
Stay your furious contests and avenging strife,
That cause human life to be bitter and filled with sorrow.
Yield now to Beautiful Aphrodite and to Dionysus,
Give to Demeter the weapons of the battlefield.
Encourage peace and gentle works, and grant to us charity and abundance.
