GREEK MYTHOLOGY: The Affair of Ares and Aphrodite

GREEK MYTHOLOGY: The Affair of Ares and Aphrodite
This video entails the love story between Aphrodite the goddess of beauty and love, and the God of War, Ares. Told from the perspectives of both Aphrodite and Ares, it details how their affair began and what happened when her husband finally caught on...
Living Mythology is an attempt to entertain, relax and educate all in the one place. We are trying to forge narratives so that people can experience the religions and mythologies of the world as they were meant to be. Not as dry academic monoliths, but as living breathing tales and parables as experienced by the peoples who worshipped these beings, in an attempt to make sense of their own lives and the world around them.
This channel is in its infancy, so we hope to improve and develop it as we gain more experience.
All of the tales are taken from very conflicting traditions across many centuries, so there will be many a moment when decisions need to be made to create a more cohesive narrative. If we present something that seems to be in contrast to details, rest assured we have researched many forms of the traditions and come to the conclusions we have done to form the videos.
There will NEVER be total agreement on any of these narratives due to the history and differing ways they developed over the centuries.
These videos are for entertainment and an easy gateway to the subject. If you wish more academic details then please direct your attention to the wide source material and others who perform those types of academic video essays.
Created, Narrated by Lightbringer
Also Narrated by Baldermort
Edited by Lightbringer
PATREON: patreon.com/user?u=83558783
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[@LetholdusKaspyr]

You are so excellent at putting the sagas of the gods in understandable, human context. Here, Aphrodite's whimsical, even treacherous side is shown, yet she still comes out sympathetic.

[@livingmythology1405]

We do our best! Thank you so much for the lovely comment, we try to put ourselves in their shoes and it seems to make sense after that haha - Lightbringer

[@nagillim7915]

Historically, Aphrodite was a late addition to the Olympian pantheon and is actually much older than the Olympians. She was worshipped in Cyprus before the Greeks got there and she's often associated with copper as Cyprus was the centre of the bronze age copper trade. Which is how she came to be worshipped in Cyprus: her worship was brought there by Syrians who had a different name for her but worshipped her as a goddess of love, fertility and femininity. But she didn't originate with the Syrians either. They loaned her from Mesopotamia. Which makes it quite apt that she has an affair with Ares in Greek mythology. Because the Syrians took her from worship of the goddess Ishtar, whose worship goes back to Sumeria where she was called Innana. And Innana was a goddess of fertility, sex and warfare. Innana is the goddess who attempted to seduce Gilgamesh and when he refused her advances she threatened to throw open the gates to the underworld and unleash the dead onto the world of the living if he didn't relent. She didn't love him or anything like that: she just wanted a fling and she was the daughter of heaven and he - a mere mortal - said no to her. If i remember rightly her husband the god of agriculture (or maybe it was her father the god of the heavens i'm a bit hazy on that part) convinced her to relent so she didn't bring about the apocalypse and destroy human civilisation. 🤷‍♂️

[@davebowman9000]

This video: Athena is the Goddess of Strategy while Ares is the God of Battle My brain: Athena and Ares. Nicknames for the Mighty Gork and Mork!!

[@colinpreston80]

Waaagh!

[@europademon]

I've always felt Aries was a miscast God. His war was of survival and the fight against debilitating fear. Great video as usual.

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you so much! And thank you for watching again my friend! - Lightbringer

[@mtp3920]

I am amazed at how you translate the stories. Of course Aphrodite feels like a trinket……I never thought about that. And Ares! Wow!!!! Yes he was alone and rejected due to his position as god of war. I love you guys! Thank you. I’m so excited for the next story! As always, your number one fan!

[@europademon]

Been saving this for my shift tonight. You all are wonderful.

[@davebowman9000]

Wonderful work! Can't wait to see what comes next!!

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you so much! - Lightbringer

[@zachariahmousa7652]

I will not lie, I never expected to feel sympathy for Ares. The myths don't do him any favors, as he is constantly getting upstaged, laughed at, and mocked. When it comes to Aphrodite, I can not say I didn't expect her to be exactly how you described her. This makes me wonder why she went back to Haephastus in the mythology. I never understood that part.

[@jessnalulila5552]

She never went back to Hephaestus in the greek myth, they actually got divorced after the Golden Net incident

[@nagillim7915]

Ares was also a protector god. When his daughter was r**ed by a son of Poseidon, Ares killed the perpetrator. This enraged Poseidon and Zeus who put him on trial for murder, but the Olympian goddesses acquitted him as he had done so in defence of his daughter. He was then named the protector of wronged women in addition to being god of war and protector of cities.

[@misterunserious7265]

"It is flattering o know, I could stir such things..." :...he sank into himself; he was broken to the core" deep

[@rohncarver3585]

thumbnail of Ares looks like a grizzled Mel Gibson

[@livingmythology1405]

😂

[@symeonkyriakopoulos1717]

absolutely phenomenal. Thank you guys!

[@livingmythology1405]

Our pleasure!

[@skyetredinnick3624]

You guys did an amazing job at this. That I have watched both of your stories this one and the cursed nicklace and you did amazing job at this and I love Greek mythology 🤩

[@Officialmikky007]

I love you guys Videos so much😁😍 Pls do a video of the Gigantanomacy Zeus battle with Typhoon And the Rebellion in Olympus

[@livingmythology1405]

Oh we've got things cookin Thank you for watching :) - Lightbringer

[@jamth118]

Great video love the Greek mythology videos, I look forward to more of your great content :) keep up the good work

[@livingmythology1405]

More to come! Thank you for watching - Lightbringer

[@roberthowe3377]

Thank you Mr.B. and Lady lightbringer for another excellent video. I knew of the story if Aphrodite and Ares but didn't know they had 3 children. As always, Greetings from Kilkenny, R.O.I 🇮🇪

[@livingmythology1405]

You are very welcome! We are very happy to hear you enjoyed it Robert! Always wonderful to see you in the comments! As ever, we send heartfelt greeting back to you all in Kilkenny, R.O.I 😀 - Lightbringer

[@shadowslayer2929]

​​@@livingmythology1405Mr.b hm🤔I didn't know a giant in a diving suit did narrations I guess it's good practice for reading bed time stories to the little sis lol please tell me you got the bioshock reference 😂😂

[@SonofDiablo97]

Please do Typhon and Echidna and there monstrous children please and thank you and i love your content

[@dimitriosgiorgi8957]

Great video👍👍

[@whoissyx]

Excellent as always!!!

[@Mad_Geniuz]

Ares god of Rizz

[@ItsaLaz]

OG Barbieheimer.

[@livingmythology1405]

😂😂😂

[@afreakaboucher1316]

Ares has my respect

[@singletona082]

Even in my middleschool years it struck me as horrifying that zeus just... *GAVE* Aphrodite to Haphastus as a wife with ner a chance at courtship, compatibility checks, or consent of the poor lass and that was from heavily sanatized aimed at school kids books on myth. I find affairs to be distasteful and destructive, yet I cannot bring myself to hate her as I would someone else. She was handed over asa prize in a society that expected the world of women yet paradoxically seemed to give them no autonomy. I do not consider the affair 'right,' but I can wrap my head around it save for one thing. Ares? Seriously? He's a cosmic frat boy that enjoys instigating wars but only when he gets to be the bully in them. Surely she could do far better as a consort.

[@livingmythology1405]

Love can make anyone foolish eh? I'm so glad you enjoyed this video! It is a wild one to wrap your head around when you think about it haha Great to see you in the comments again my friend! -Lightbringer

[@singletona082]

On reflection @@livingmythology1405 He at least valued her as a person rather than as a pretty orniment.

[@andrewhoffman9964]

A very good video.

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you very much! -Lightbringer

[@exxcaliburs6002]

Ares is there in your heart 9:20

[@ShadowDashh]

she was the god of 304s

[@scottskene8387]

The affair between Ares and Aphrodite takes on some interesting aspects if you consider the possibility that Aphrodite was a Hellenic syncreitization of the Akkadian/Sumerian goddess of love and war Ishtar (Astarte)

[@jhoughjr1]

Mars seeks to understand Venus for she is why he fights

[@jhoughjr1]

That’s why before her he was isolated.

[@_Carlos]

The gods should be thankful they lived in a pre-paparrazi time period, can you imagine the headlines that would accompany such a scandal? "Trouble in paradise? Match made in Olympus plagued by infidelity!"

[@livingmythology1405]

There would be constant news to report at least! Never a dull day in olympus haha - Lightbringer

[@jacopoarmini7889]

I like to think of the greek gods as personifications of aspects of humanity, in this perspective it is obvious that Aphrodite would never have been loved by Hephaestus. He represents the will of man to shape and control reality, while Aphrodite is the impulse that controls man, she could love nothing else but the impulse of man to hate and destroy: Ares.

[@livingmythology1405]

OOoooo now this is an awesome interpretation!!! - Lightbringer

[@redzeppelin7]

All this content is so well done. This could easily be a comic and animated show

[@jhoughjr1]

Cuz they have talent and passion. This is great.

[@morrishansford3316]

Yes it shud

[@Hello_182]

Another fantastic story from a pair of master storytellers, thank you again!

[@livingmythology1405]

And thank you for watching! - Lightbringer

[@awesomehpt8938]

I’m more of a Mars and Venus person myself

[@hoggHogg]

Amazing!!! This is your best video yet. I listen to your videos with my daughter who loves mythology. This one blew her mind about Ares. Her only understanding of Ares is through Percy Jackson books. She start looking up Ares stories in the mythology books we have. Your channel is amazing. As a father of an 8 year old daughter who can’t stop reading about mythology, I thank you.

[@livingmythology1405]

Awww that is amazing to hear! This channel is run by a father and daughter duo - so it's so wonderful that it's something the two of you share too! I loved percy jackson myself, and it's a brilliant way to get into mythology but there's definitely more to read and learn ! We're so happy that you both enjoy our stories and they have inspired your little girl to read more and more! That's the goal of our channel - inspire and share the love of mythology ! This comment is one of the best we've had in a while so thank you for sharing! - Lightbringer and Baldermort

[@wiaf8937]

nothing better than some god lore about love and betrayal. :3

[@kiltedcripple]

Ah, what would the affairs of the gods be if not for the actual affairs?

[@habeebrasheed5930]

I really appreciate the quality and effort you put into your work. It's undoubtedly nothing but genius. I just couldn't wait for this moment. Thanks for putting me in suspense once more 😢❤❤

[@livingmythology1405]

Wow, thanks you so much! It's really lovely when we have people to appreciate all our work and enjoy it! It's nice to write a good story, but even nicer to be able to share it ! Spread the love of stories and mythology! - Lightbringer

[@nathanstruble2177]

Bauldemort!!! YAY!!!

[@stax6092]

Phenomenal as Always. It's so good to see how much this channel has grown and I hope it keeps growing and growing. Well Done.

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you for watching! Your support means a lot to us! It's nice to see how much we've grown, and I look forward to what the future brings! - Lightbringer

[@cesarerinaldi6750]

Ares already had a perfect lover, the Goddess Enyo!

[@MrLiam123266]

I might get addicted to this lol

[@jhoughjr1]

THESE are the stories our civilization was built upon

[@GoldHaartGaming]

Fantastic video. I love how the videos transport us all to a different time, a time of wonder and splendor. I listen to these videos when I do my world building writing for my DND and Pathfinder groups. Kind regards GoldHaart

[@ricksanchez6478]

Does that technically mean Aphrodite is a Titaness?😅

[@livingmythology1405]

Depending on which version of her origin - yes, she can be classified as a Titaness! As there are two versions of her parentage - the first, like in the video - is from the castration of Uranus and his parts being cast into the sea, e.g. Uranus and Gaia However, in other versions, it is Zeus and Dione, a Titaness, that create Aphrodite, in this she is counted as an Olympian (There is also a more unknown version reported by Hyginus, a roman writer - that takes a syrian story of the birth of ashtarte, and adopts it to the birth of Venus. Which dictates she came from an egg by a river bank hatched by doves) But Titan or Olympian - the names are just two generations of gods. Two groups of the same family - not even by age or generation - as a lot of Olympian cousins were called titans because they fought with the titans. As they didn't join the Olympian court, they were never called Olympians. Atlas for example - son of Iapetus - (like Zeus was son of Cronos) - is referred to as a titan. But because Aphrodite has all of her stories and tales in the Olympian court of Zeus, she is known as an Olympian most regularly. (Also - The most famous version of her birth is from the sea foam/castration, like the old renaissance paintings e.g. The birth of Venus by Botticelli - It is also the version that Hesiod has in his theogony - which is why we chose this version)

[@BohdanKaiba]

Happy to have a return of the videos, I am going to share this video as much as I can

[@livingmythology1405]

Awesome, thank you! Always good to see a friendly face BohdanKaiba! We always appreciate your support! - Lightbringer

[@sevnenteenloco]

No one tells my wife but I named my daughter Athena because of this channel and hoping to have a son next and name him Aries lol.

[@shadowslayer2929]

those names will certainly be unique nowadays

[@livingmythology1405]

Oh my goddess! Athena is a beautiful name so you’ve chosen well my friend Congratulations on fatherhood ! Enjoy and savour the journey - time slips away so fast - spent it well - Lightbringer

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Living Mythology . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you Loupiscanis 🐺 Always good to see you in the comments! - Lightbringer

[@kevineastwood-tm2mt]

Hehe, called it! Alright so I saw this one coming but your skill in breeding new life into old news is inspired! This one must've been difficult creatively cause it's not the most exciting as far as epic sagas go but as always you came with this unique thing you have! Brilliant. Can't wait till the next one.... x

[@livingmythology1405]

We're glad to hear you enjoyed this episode! There's still a tale to be told in the relationships, not just the events of a myth - fun to try and find the excitement in the mundane sometimes! The next will have more action though my friend! - Lightbringer

[@sarahgirlisit]

Another great video! Keep them coming please!❤

[@livingmythology1405]

We will! Thanks for watching !! - Lightbringer

[@GrimDarkHalfOff]

I just finished doing a study on this!

[@livingmythology1405]

It's so cool! What did you find? Mythology can have a lot of interpretations/versions of similar myths and we love to learn about them all! - Lightbringer

[@lyken4]

Thanks Baldermort for sharing this channel! 👍👍👍

[@PungiFungi]

Out of this came the Necklace of Harmonia…. A necklace cursed to bring disaster to all its owners…. But its power to keep its wearer young and beautiful prompted many mortals to seek it out regardless of its curse.

[@livingmythology1405]

Someone knows their myths! Hit the nail right on the head! - Lightbringer

[@izegaegbe]

"....and she chose me..." And others, buddy.

[@livingmythology1405]

😂

[@mayanlogos92]

They say all is permited in love & war... ig ik where they took that from...

[@danamarvelstar]

I had no idea 😢 Edit: Also, Tron: Ares brought me here.

[@Pfasma5]

So amazing…. I get lost in the story and then suddenly something is explained (a rooster in this story). about our world and it is so cool as the entire myth explains somethngf

[@livingmythology1405]

It's so fun how mythology can do that right?! I loved that part of this myth too! - Lightbringer

[@izegaegbe]

Lesson learnt: Don't mess with Hephaestus.

[@Laureltree61]

Incredible video! I enjoy your videos so much. I re-watch all your videos almost every day. The story telling is excellent. Thank you for presenting these wonderful stories.

[@livingmythology1405]

My goodness what a compliment! Thank you for watching so much - we appreciate it a lot, it's just nice to share in the love of mythology and stories! - Lightbringer

[@jhoughjr1]

A girl baldemort!?!?

[@baldermort]

It’s his daughter. Lightbringer is her handle. :)

[@livingmythology1405]

Yup! Heya - I am Lightbringer, aka daughter of baldermort haha

[@shadowslayer2929]

​@@livingmythology1405a father and daughter channel I didn't even know wholesome 😁

[@calebhendricks1375]

Had no idea uncle B had a mythology channel, super happy I found this and will definitely be listening to these videos

[@livingmythology1405]

Welcome aboard!

[@edgywtf]

BALDEMORT FROM DISTRACTIBLE!!

[@livingmythology1405]

Yes! This is one of his other channels!

[@stc6851]

Noice 👍

[@sushanson1128]

So great. Love the flow. As always well done 👍

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you so so much! - Lightbringer

[@cherylharris8539]

Have you ever considered doing new world mythology stories?

[@betsycamposrodriguez8894]

Aphrodite is a force that cannot be underestimated or ignored..she was born from chaos during the death of Ouranos..zeus really thought that his will would be greater than that of Aphrodite?.. by the way,excellent video

[@dallairefish2721]

While enjoying the excellent storytelling as I go about my work, I cannot help but notice how similar your voice sounds to Melina from Elden Ring. How curious!

[@KharnDaLoyal]

Haven't even let the vid load yet but gawd am I ready Just pulled up to the relaxing gym Sunday and couldn't be better now. You a chief team baldy. You truly are😌👉

[@livingmythology1405]

Hope you enjoyed it! And thank you for watching - we try our best in the team of two haha - Lightbringer

[@KharnDaLoyal]

@@livingmythology1405 you 2 are a power team💪

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you KharnDaLoyal! @@KharnDaLoyal

[@GlitteredClock]

🔱🔆💫😥

[@winkyndahead]

How the tables have turned, these are the days of our lives.

[@ciaranbrk]

Where do you get the music for these videos? I would love to listen as a write my short stories 🙂

[@GlitteredClock]

Living mythology thank you- not all are myths

[@Tommiart]

Brilliant guys ..love it!

[@EthanBonardel]

I enjoy listening, thank you!

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you for watching! - Lightbringer

[@Richard-1776]

Superb job. I've never seen a video on the gods like this before. You stand apart from all the rest; and in this world, that's that something to be proud of. Subscribed.

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you so much and welcome aboard my friend! We hope you enjoy all to come! - Lightbringer

[@Baileybali335]

I thought Eros was also Ares son?

[@0SirBrain0]

The voice over work is the best in the world they need a Oscar category at the KZbin awards

[@livingmythology1405]

Oh wow - now this is a compliment and a half ! Thank you so so much my friend ! - Lightbringer

[@jamellfoster6029]

*Helios was like the paparazzi. Always being nosey and telling everyone else's business. Poor Electreon. Turned into a rooster. And Aphrodite and Ares are GROSS!!!! Ares and Hephaestus are full brothers with the same Mom and Dad (Hera and Zeus). Aphrodite, you could have messed with anyone else. But your husband's brother is just SICK!!!!

[@livingmythology1405]

God so often couple with one another, it’s just something that seems to always crop up in most mythologies! - Lightbringer

[@jamellfoster6029]

@@livingmythology1405 but it's still 🤮 🤮 🤮 🤮!!!

[@georgesulea]

A great tale:)

[@Audios2010]

Balda sent me 🗿

[@nielsjensen9771]

Fantastisk

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you! - Lightbringer

[@afreakaboucher1316]

❤❤❤

[@marcushanes100]

Very well done! Y’all narrate a really compelling story. I have always felt sorry for Hephaestus though. I really empathized with him when I was younger. And he kinda comes off as a villain in this one. Alas such seems to be his fate overlooked and derided.

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you so much - and yes hephaestus is seen as a villain from the perspective of Aphrodite and Ares - but he is a far more sympathetic character! You would enjoy 'The Return and Revenge of Hephaestus' - it gives him more of a voice to show his struggles and pains! We believe he is overlooked often and so gave him a whole video of his own to explain his painful birth and his fight to be part of his own family ! - Lightbringer

[@marcushanes100]

@@livingmythology1405 I listened to it later on and really enjoyed it from his perspective! Dionysus coming to convince/trick him was great! And the scene with him and Hera was very emotional. Great work!

[@livingmythology1405]

Thankl you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed that one too - it is much more sympathetic to Hephaestus ! @@marcushanes100

[@grahamcox4486]

Thanks guys for another great story

[@livingmythology1405]

Thanks for listening again my friend ! We’re happy to hear you enjoyed it - lightbringer

[@happyhedgehog6450]

I just found your channel. I really enjoyed this.

[@KillaKellsz]

That was amazing !

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you! - Lightbringer

[@marcushanes100]

Thanks!

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you so much - any and all support means the world to us! - Lightbringer

[@ronaldmccomb8301]

Very good!

[@livingmythology1405]

Thank you! Cheers! - Lightbringer

[@ciaranbrk]

What gift did hepheaestus give to ares daughter.

[@livingmythology1405]

A necklace... but that is a tale yet to come! - Lightbringer

[@IkeSantos-t9d]

Is there any episode for this one??

[@livingmythology1405]

What do you mean? - Lightbringer

[@afreakaboucher1316]

This could have gone another way if you know what I mean nobody needed to cheat on anyone

[@Lord_Garen]

This myth also symbolizes womens short term and long term mating strategy and how man being consumed by his work and having mindset of "I have to be rich and then get a wife" those redpill dudes preach will make him lose his love

[@corymalik1324]

Baldimort? Talking of love heresy.

[@mill2712]

And yet, here it is.

[@shadowslayer2929]

no this is heresy emps has taco bell farts😂