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I keep thinking of a myth I’ve forgotten most of, yet I remember a painting of it. Athena triumphs over Ares, forcing warfare to slink away from the battlefield, giving way to wisdom.
I saw this, long before I ever watched Hercules or Xena: Warrior Princess; where Kevin Smith made Ares sexy and sympathetic, if a very manipulative bad boy.
Ares didn’t strike me as being sympathetic in many of the original myths. He provoked quarrels, violence, and bloodshed. He made the world an unstable, unhappy place.
Athena could outwit him and outfight him, but she had many skills beyond applying her wits to war. She used them to guard, guide, and educate. She was a weaver and a patron of knowledge. She could be a champion for those trying to think of a way out of their difficulties as well as to the mighty.
Athena had flaws, but I marveled at how well-rounded she was. Athena was capable of many things, accomplishing, and helping others to accomplish many tasks.
Ares specialized in one thing; something warriors relished and reveled in, yet also kindled their horror and regret. He spread unhappiness, encouraging other to spread it as well.
I’m thinking of this myth a lot right now. It feels as if there’s been too much war and not enough wisdom.
I’m hoping wisdom will get the upper hand in the world.
I saw this, long before I ever watched Hercules or Xena: Warrior Princess; where Kevin Smith made Ares sexy and sympathetic, if a very manipulative bad boy.
Ares didn’t strike me as being sympathetic in many of the original myths. He provoked quarrels, violence, and bloodshed. He made the world an unstable, unhappy place.
Athena could outwit him and outfight him, but she had many skills beyond applying her wits to war. She used them to guard, guide, and educate. She was a weaver and a patron of knowledge. She could be a champion for those trying to think of a way out of their difficulties as well as to the mighty.
Athena had flaws, but I marveled at how well-rounded she was. Athena was capable of many things, accomplishing, and helping others to accomplish many tasks.
Ares specialized in one thing; something warriors relished and reveled in, yet also kindled their horror and regret. He spread unhappiness, encouraging other to spread it as well.
I’m thinking of this myth a lot right now. It feels as if there’s been too much war and not enough wisdom.
I’m hoping wisdom will get the upper hand in the world.
