The fruit primarily associated with the Greek god of war, Ares, is the apple.
The Apple and Ares's Symbolism
While Ares is widely recognized through symbols of conflict and strength, such as spears, shields, and chariots, historical accounts suggest a less commonly known connection to the apple. Certain ancient writings indicate that the apple was considered sacred to Ares. However, these historical records generally do not provide further commentary on the specific reasons for this particular association, nor do they connect it to any established aetiological myths that would explain its origin or significance in detail. This makes the apple a unique, though not deeply elaborated upon, part of Ares's iconography.
Ares's Wider Symbolic Repertoire
To gain a more complete understanding of Ares's attributes and characteristics, it is helpful to consider the broader range of symbols often linked to him in Greek mythology:
- Weapons and Armor: His most prominent symbols include the spear, shield, and helmet, directly representing his embodiment of battle and the raw, aggressive nature of war.
- Animals:
- Dogs: Particularly fierce or predatory dogs, often depicted accompanying him or as part of his entourage.
- Vultures: These scavenger birds are associated with battlefields and the aftermath of conflict, reflecting the grim reality of war.
- Woodpeckers: Less common but sometimes linked, possibly due to their percussive or aggressive pecking action.
- Chariot: Frequently described as being pulled by four fire-breathing horses, symbolizing his swift, devastating, and unstoppable charge into combat.
- Torch: Sometimes carried by Ares, signifying the destructive power and consuming fire of war.
While the precise mythological significance of the apple to Ares remains somewhat enigmatic due to the lack of detailed ancient explanations, its mention by classical commentators highlights the diverse and occasionally surprising elements that constituted the complex tapestry of divine symbolism in ancient Greek religion.
