AI Overview
No, in Greek mythology, the affair between
Ares (Roman Mars) and Aphrodite (Roman Venus) was a passionate, consensual adulterous relationship, not a rape; they were lovers, often caught by her husband Hephaestus, and had several children like Eros and Harmonia, though Ares (Roman Mars) did famously rape the mortal Rhea Silvia to father Romulus and Remus.
The Nature of Their Affair
Consensual Passion: Their relationship was characterized by intense love and lust, driven by Cupid's arrow, leading to frequent secret meetings.
Adultery: Aphrodite was married to Hephaestus, so their affair was a significant betrayal, eventually exposed by Helios, who informed Hephaestus.
Children: They had several divine children together, including Eros (Love), Phobos (Fear), Dei
mos (Terror), and Harmonia (Harmony).
Hephaestus's Trap: Hephaestus caught them in the act using a magical, near-invisible net, publicly shaming them.
Key Distinction: Ares vs. Mars
A
res (Greek): Primarily known for his affair with Aphrodite, he isn't typically depicted as a rapist in these myths.
Mars (Roman): The Roman counterpart, Mars, is associated with the rape of the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia, which led to the birth of Rome's founders, Romulus and Remus, a story different from his affair with Venus.
So, while Ares/Mars was involved in a notable act of non-consensual sex (Rhea Silvia), his well-known relationship with Aphrodite was one of mutual, albeit adulterous, desire.
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