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How was Ares different from Athena as a god of war?

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Painting by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo showing crowds pulling the large wooden Trojan Horse into the city of Troy, with excited figures and ancient buildings in the background. — Greek mythology Oil on canvas by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, c. 1760; in the National Gallery, London.

In Greek mythology, both Ares and Athena were recognized as deities of war, yet they represented fundamentally different aspects of conflict.1

Ares is characterized as the spirit of battle who embodies the brutal, distasteful elements of warfare, such as slaughter and bloodlust. He was often viewed with disdain by other Olympian gods and lacked the broad social or moral associations typical of major deities.21

In contrast, Athena represents the intellectual and civilized side of war. Her role encompasses the virtues of justice, military prowess, and strategic skill. While Ares personifies raw violence, Athena is the divine embodiment of the heroic martial ideal, associated with excellence in combat, victory, and glory. Furthermore, Athena’s influence extends far beyond the battlefield; she is also the goddess of good counsel, practical insight, and skilled crafts, such as weaving. Her superiority in the Greek pantheon is marked by her role as a guardian of cities and a symbol of wisdom and righteousness, whereas Ares remained a more localized and less popular figure.12