Polem0s

POLEMOS was the personified spirit (daimon) of war and battle. Polemos is similar to Ares, god of war, and the Makhai (Machae-Battles). His opposite number was Eirene (Irene-Peace).


Pindar, Dithyrambs (Greek lyric 5th B.C.) :
"Harken! O Alala (War-shout), daughter of Polemos! Prelude of spears! To whom soldiers are sacrificed for their city’s sake in the holy sacrifice of death."

Aesop, Fables 533 (from Babrius 70 6th B.C.) :
"The gods were getting married. One after another, until finally it was time for Polemos to draw his lot, the last of the bachelors. Hybris (Reckless Pride) became his wife, since she was the only one left without a husband. They say Polemos loved Hybris with such abandon that he still follows her everywhere she goes. So do not ever allow Hybris to come upon the nations or cities of mankind, smiling fondly at the crowds, because Polemos will be coming right behind her.