Mars — the God of War in Roman Mythology
- Main
- >
- Roman Mythology
- >
- Roman Pantheon of Gods
- >
- Mars
MarsMars was originally a god of fertility, vegetation, and the wild. He later became the god of war and was one of the three chief gods of the Roman pantheon. The month Martius (modern March) and the planet were both named in his honor, though these are far from the only things that carry his name today.
He was regarded as the god of war, but not for the sake of killing or plunder — rather, for the sake of establishing order. According to another version, he was entirely indifferent to who won or lost. What mattered to him was the act itself — the battle, the deaths, the bloodshed. According to Roman belief, he took part in wars himself, and dealt mercilessly with his enemies. Beside him always walked the deities Pavor (Dread) and Pallor (Fear), along with Virtus (Valor) and Honos (Honor). The first two terrified his enemies, while the latter two inspired his fellow soldiers.
