While in the ancient world, most of the fighting was done by men, there was occasionally a woman who made her mark militarily. Likewise, while most of the war gods were male, there were also war goddesses, some of whom doubled as love and fertility goddesses.
1. Agasaya
SemiticSemitic war goddess who was combined with Ishtar. She is called "The Shrieker."
Source: Encyclopedia Mythica.
2. Anahita
CC Flickr User dynamosquito
Persian, Chaldean, Iranian, and possibly Semitic
As well as being a war goddess, Anahita is the Persian water goddess, fertility goddess, and patroness of women. She drives a 4-horse chariot with the horses representing wind, rain, clouds, and sleet. She is tall, beautiful, and wears a golden crown
Sources:
"Anāhitā and Alexander," by William L. Hanaway, Jr. Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 102, No. 2 (Apr. - Jun., 1982), pp. 285-295.
Dictionary of Ancient Deities, by Patricia Turner, Charles Russell Coulter.
As well as being a war goddess, Anahita is the Persian water goddess, fertility goddess, and patroness of women. She drives a 4-horse chariot with the horses representing wind, rain, clouds, and sleet. She is tall, beautiful, and wears a golden crown
Sources:
"Anāhitā and Alexander," by William L. Hanaway, Jr. Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 102, No. 2 (Apr. - Jun., 1982), pp. 285-295.
Dictionary of Ancient Deities, by Patricia Turner, Charles Russell Coulter.
3. Anath
SemiticWest Semitic love and war goddess, associated with Baal.
Source: Encyclopedia Mythica
4. Andraste
CelticCeltic Britain war god honored by Boudicca.
Source: "Omens and Celtic Warfare", by Ellen Ettlinger. Man, Vol. 43, (Jan. - Feb., 1943), pp. 11-17.
6. Anouke
EgyptElder war goddess with bow and arrows, as well as a shuttle.
Source: Encyclopedia Mythica.
7. Ashtart
CanaaniteConnected with Anat as war goddess, as well as sensuousness, and self-indulgence.
Source: "A Relief of Qudshu-Astarte-Anath in the Winchester College Collection," by I. E. S. Edwards. Journal of Near Eastern Studies, Vol. 14, No. 1, Henri Frankfort Memorial Issue (Jan., 1955).
8. Athena
CC Flickr User Sabbath Photography
Greece
Multi-faceted virgin goddess. Goddess of wisdom, crafts, and warfare.
Multi-faceted virgin goddess. Goddess of wisdom, crafts, and warfare.
9. Badb
CelticIrish Celtic war goddess who takes part in battle. Assumes raven shape. Also Morrigan.
Source: Encyclopedia Mythica.
10. Bellona
RomeRoman war goddess who accompanied Mars into battle. Wears helmet, and carries a spear and torch.
Source: Encyclopedia Mythica.
