ABSTRACT
In the Trojan War Ares supported the Trojans, but his role is depicted as ignominious. With the help of Athena, Diomedes gave him a serious wound, which he complained about to Zeus. Subsequently he tried to join the battle after Zeus had forbidden it, and was restrained by Athena with insults. When the gods turned against each other he attacked Athena and hurled his spear at her magic breastplate (aegis): it did her no harm, but she knocked Ares down with a stone. As Aphrodite tried to help him off the field, Athena struck her, too, with her fist.
