ARES (AIR-eez) was the god of war, or more precisely of warlike frenzy. Though an  immortal deity, he was bested by Heracles in battle and was almost killed  when stuffed into a jar by two giants. When another hero wounded him during  the Trojan War, he received scant sympathy from his father Zeus.
     
     In appearance, Ares was handsome and cruel. He is often depicted carrying  a bloodstained spear. His throne on Mount Olympus was said to be covered  in human skin.

     He is considered murderous and bloodstained, but also a coward. When  caught in an act of adultery with Aphrodite, her husband Hephaestus is able publically ridicule  him. His bird is the vulture. His animal is the dog.

     By trickery, Ares killed the beautiful youth Adonis, the beloved of Aphrodite. Jealous of Adonis and aware of his passion for hunting, Ares transformed himself in to a boar and had Adonis hunt for him. Turning quickly he ran upon Adonis and killed him.

     Ares loved and was loved, more or less, by Aphrodite. Once, when he was with Aphrodite,  Hephaestus caught him. Ares had placed the youth, Alectryon as a guard. Vexed at the boy’s  neglect of his task, he changed him into a cock.

Source: Skidmore, Joel
Mythography
The Gods of Olympus