The Roman God Mars: Warlike Protector or Mischievous Trickster?

Mars, named after the Roman god of war, is one of our solar system's most fascinating planets. As a red rocky world orbiting close to the sun, Mars has captivated human imagination for centuries.

But who was this ancient deity that bears such an apt namesake? Mars in Roman mythology was often depicted as a fearsome and bloodthirsty god, associated with conflict, violence, and brutal conquests on the battlefield. His Greek counterpart, Ares, shared many of these attributes - together they formed a formidable duo feared throughout the known world.

However, there is another side to Mars that often gets overlooked in popular culture's portrayal as simply an aggressive warlord. The Romans associated Camulos with Mars (Ares), the Roman god of war. Though this link may seem straightforward given their shared association with conflict and bloodshed, it belies a more complex and nuanced character.

In Celtic mythology, Camulos was often depicted not just as a brutal warrior-god but also as a protector - an guardian who safeguarded his people from harm rather than reveling in its chaos. This dichotomy between Mars' roles as both warlike avenger and benevolent patron reflects the multifaceted nature of this enigmatic planet we call home.

Today, Mars continues to fascinate us with its barren landscapes, towering volcanoes, and vast plains stretching across an alien landscape that feels both familiar yet impossibly distant. As our rovers explore these foreign shores for signs of life or evidence of ancient waterways long since dried up, can't help but wonder: does this red planet hold secrets beyond just the cold reaches of science?

References:

1. 'Roman war god (4)'

2. Planet beyond Earth (4)

3. Fourth of eight (4) "War of the Worlds" invader (4)

4. Milky Way source (4)

5. Roman god of war (4)

6. Red planet (4)