Ares: More Than Just a Bully in the Percy Jackson Series

Ares: The Archetypal Antagonist in the Beginning

The *Percy Jackson* series, penned by Rick Riordan, has captivated readers young and old with its thrilling blend of Greek mythology and contemporary adventure. At the heart of this fantastical world lies Camp Half-Blood, demigods, and a pantheon of gods whose personalities are as flawed as they are powerful. Among these immortal figures, Ares, the God of War, initially appears as a straightforward antagonist. A bully, even. However, beneath his gruff exterior and love for conflict, Ares plays a more complex and crucial role in Percy’s journey and the overarching themes of the series than simply being a villain to be defeated. He serves as a mirror reflecting the darker aspects of heroism and the inevitable conflicts that shape our world.

In *The Lightning Thief*, the first installment of the series, Ares is painted with broad strokes as the quintessential bad guy. He embodies everything associated with war in its most negative light: aggression, arrogance, and a complete disregard for the rules. With his leather trench coat, sunglasses, and a penchant for motorcycles, Ares exudes a rebellious energy that contrasts sharply with the more measured demeanor of other Olympian gods.

His role in the central conflict is pivotal. Ares manipulates events to frame Percy for stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, setting in motion a quest that forces Percy to confront his destiny. Ares, always seeking chaos and conflict, thrives on the discord among the Olympian gods, hoping to ignite a full-blown war that will satisfy his bloodlust. The God of War says, “Power comes from strength, not knowledge,” encapsulating his disdain for wisdom and strategy in favor of brute force.

The Fight

The climactic confrontation between Percy and Ares is a defining moment for both characters. Stranded on a beach, Percy, armed with Riptide, faces off against the seasoned God of War. The scene is fraught with tension. The setting is significant. The beach, a liminal space between land and sea, symbolizes the transition Percy is undergoing as he embraces his identity as a son of Poseidon.

The fight itself is a masterclass in storytelling. Percy, although inexperienced, fights with courage and determination. He taps into the power of the sea, a legacy from his father, and manages to wound Ares, forcing him to retreat. This victory, though hard-won, is not just about physical prowess. It symbolizes Percy’s growing understanding of his own strength and his ability to stand up against even the most formidable opponents. More importantly, he shows restraint. He chooses not to kill Ares, displaying a sense of justice that surpasses Ares’s thirst for vengeance. This moment marks a turning point in Percy’s development, transforming him from a confused teenager into a hero with a sense of responsibility.

Beyond the Bully: Glimmers of Complication

While Ares is presented as a primary antagonist, Riordan subtly hints at deeper layers within his character. These glimpses of complexity prevent Ares from becoming a one-dimensional caricature and make him a more compelling figure within the *Percy Jackson* universe.

One key element is Ares’s relationship with his children, particularly Clarisse La Rue. While he may not be the most attentive or affectionate father, there is a clear connection between them. Ares recognizes Clarisse’s strength and ambition, even if he struggles to express his approval in a conventional way. This relationship humanizes Ares, showing that even the God of War is capable of some form of familial bond. “She has the warrior spirit,” Ares is rumored to have said, a rare compliment that speaks volumes.

Furthermore, Ares is not merely a mindless brute. He is the God of War, a title that encompasses strategy, tactics, and the understanding of conflict. While he often favors direct confrontation, there are moments where his actions suggest a more calculated approach. He understands the political landscape of Olympus and how to manipulate events to his advantage. This strategic awareness adds another dimension to his character, hinting at a cunning intellect beneath the surface of aggression.

Compared to other gods, Ares’s role is crucial to the overall narrative. While Zeus rules with authority and Poseidon maintains a distant presence, Ares is actively involved in the mortal world, stirring up conflict and testing the mettle of demigods. He represents a constant challenge to the established order, forcing the other gods and demigods to confront the darker aspects of their own nature.

Ares’s Recurrent Role and Ripple Effect

Ares makes further appearances throughout the *Percy Jackson* series, and his impact continues to be felt even when he is not directly involved. His influence is particularly evident in the character of Clarisse, who carries her father’s legacy of strength and combativeness.

Clarisse grapples with her father’s expectations and her own desire to prove herself worthy. She embodies the complexity of Ares’s character, showcasing both his admirable qualities and his flaws. Through Clarisse, the series explores the challenges of living up to a powerful and often intimidating parent, and the struggle to forge one’s own identity in the shadow of greatness.

Ares also serves as a recurring reminder of the ever-present threat of war and conflict. Even as Percy and his friends face other enemies and challenges, the potential for a devastating war among the gods remains a constant undercurrent. Ares embodies this threat, reminding readers that peace is fragile and that the forces of chaos are always lurking.

Thematic Meaning

Ares embodies war, conflict, and violence in a world populated by heroes and monsters, gods and demigods. The series doesn’t glamorize war. Instead, it examines its consequences, both on a grand scale and on a personal level. Through Ares, Riordan presents a critical perspective on the destructive nature of conflict, highlighting the suffering and loss that inevitably accompany it.

Ares serves as a powerful foil to Percy’s character. While Ares embraces war and violence as a means to an end, Percy consistently strives for peace and justice. Percy’s journey is one of learning to control his own power and to use it for good, while Ares represents the temptation to succumb to anger and aggression. This contrast underscores the series’ exploration of morality and the choices that define a hero. Percy understands that, “Sometimes, even the Gods need help.” This is a concept that seems foreign to Ares.

The series doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity. Ares, despite his flaws, is not entirely devoid of redeeming qualities. He values strength, loyalty, and courage, even if his expression of these values is often skewed. Riordan challenges readers to consider whether there is a place for these qualities, even in the context of war, and to grapple with the complexities of good and evil. He asks the question: Is Ares truly evil, or is he simply a product of his nature and his role as the God of War?

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ares is far more than just a bully in the *Percy Jackson* series. While he initially appears as a straightforward antagonist, his character is layered with complexities that contribute significantly to the series’ themes and Percy’s personal growth. Ares’s recurring role, his influence on other characters, and his embodiment of war and conflict make him an essential element of the *Percy Jackson* narrative.

Ares is a compelling character because he forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world around us. He represents the darker aspects of human nature, the ever-present potential for violence, and the challenges of navigating a world filled with conflict. In the end, Ares challenges us to question our understanding of good and evil, and to consider the complexities of heroism in a world where even the gods are flawed. While Ares may never be a hero in the traditional sense, his presence serves as a constant reminder of the importance of striving for peace and justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Is the God of War merely the embodiment of destruction, or is there a necessary place for his existence within the delicate balance of the Olympian world and the mortal realm?