Ares is represented as a man of
youthful appearance; his tall muscular form combines great strength with
wonderful agility. In his right hand he bears a sword or a mighty lance, while
on the left arm he carries his round shield (see next page). His demoniacal
surroundings are Terror and Fear;[44] Enyo, the goddess of the war-cry;
Keidomos, the demon of the noise of battles; and Eris (Contention), his
twin-sister and companion, who always {114} precedes his chariot when he rushes
to the fight, the latter being evidently a simile of the poets to express the
fact that war follows contention.
[44] His two sons Deimos and
Phobos.
Eris is represented as a woman
of florid complexion, with dishevelled hair, and her whole appearance angry and
menacing. In one hand she brandishes a poniard and a hissing adder, whilst in
the other she carries a burning torch. Her dress is torn and disorderly, and
her hair intertwined with venomous snakes. This divinity was never invoked by
mortals, except when they desired her assistance for the accomplishment of evil
purposes.