Mighty Ares’ fury knows no bounds. The hot blooded god of war paid his respects to Hippolyte, queen of the warrior Amazons, by giving her a splendid girdle. But brutal Heracles, wanting Ares’ gift for fair Admete, murdered Hippolyte and stole the girdle. The god will not stand for this insult. And so he requires you to abandon your journey back from the Trojan War to your peaceful homes in Greece, and avenge his favourite.

And why not? Peaceful homes are all very well, but your interest is glory – the glory of greatness in battle, in word, and in spirit – glory that will echo down the ages in poem and song. That is why you sweat and bleed. But only one of you can go down in legend as the avenger of Hippolyte. Who among you will be immortalised with their own star in the heavens? And whose grave will be forgotten along with their deeds? Enter the agon, and prove the glory of your name.