Ήφαιστος God of Fire, the Forge, Metalworking, Stone-Masonry, Technology, Craftsmen, Volcanoes, Blacksmiths and the Art of Sculpture
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HEPHAESTUS (Ήφαιστος) is the great Olympian god of fire, metalworking, stone-masonry, the forge, technology, craftsmen, volcanoes, blacksmiths and the art of sculpture. He was usually depicted as a bearded man holding hammer and tongs--the tools of a smith--and riding a donkey. Some of the more famous myths featuring the god include:
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More Information
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History and Myths
In Greek mythology, Hephaestus is the god of forges, fire and blacksmiths. Haphaestus was born directly from Hera, and is one of the Twelve Olympians. He was married to Aphrodite. Due to Zeus' giving birth to Athena, Hera was angry at his actions. She then gave birth to Hephaestus. He was an ugly and deformed child. A rumor was spread by Hera that Zeus threw him from Mt. Olympus at birth due to his ugliness, when it was really Hera herself. Another story makes the claim that Hephaestus stepped in between his mother and father's argument and sided with Hera. In rage of his son's actions, Zeus seized Hephaestus by the legs and threw him from the top of Mt. Olympus, which caused his drastic injuries. After being nursed to health, Zeus (in a rare act) apologized and welcomed his son back with open arms. Hephaestus is the Greek word for fire. This god had many cults around Ancient Greece and Rome. Hephaestus had many priests who worshiped in his name, usually paryed to before battle so that their swords and weapons would be strong in battle. The goddess of love, Aphrodite, was causing a lot of problems in Olympus due to her radiant beauty. Zeus decided to wed her to Hephaestus to keep her off the market, though she still had multiple affairs with Ares,the god of War. Though these days the affair is considered old news and every one just accepts it but Hephaestus still tries to find ways to publicly embarrass his wife and her lover in front of the other gods with elaborate traps and tricks. The most famous one and the first one was when he caught the two lovers in a magical net and then invited the other gods to come and laugh at the unfortunate sight. He also took part in creating the metal giant Talos, the Trojan Horse, and other various automatons. It is said that, after his divorce from Aphrodite, he married Aglaia, one of the three Charities. In Roman mythology Vulcan is the god of fire. As Vulcan, he becomes more disciplined, warlike, and militaristic. The Greeks envisioned Hephaestus as a benevolent and clever being. To the Romans, Vulcan was the god of volcanoes (which were named after him), giving him greater power than his Greek aspect.
Vital Statistics
Titles God of Fire
God of the Forge God of Metalworking God of Stone-Masonry God of Technology God of Craftsmen God of Volcanoes God of Blacksmiths God of the Art of Sculpture Gender Male
Status Immortal
Species God
Affiliation Olympians
Weapon Hammer
Home Mt. Olympus
Roman Form Vulcan
Appearance Varies
Family
Father N/A
Mother Spouse(s) Siblings Demigod Children Immortal Children Kadmilos, The Kabeiroi [ sons ]
Eucleia, Eupheme, Euthenia, Philophrosyne, Thaleia & The Kabeirides [ daughters ] Lover(s) Aetna
Kabeiro Other N/A
Scope/Powers
Patron Of Fire / The Forge / Metalworking / Stone-Masonry / Technology / Craftsmen / Volcanoes / Blacksmiths / The Art of Sculpture
Symbols Hammer / Tongs / Anvil
Sacred Animals Donkey / Crane
Sacred Plants N/A
Assumed Powers As a son of Hera, Hephaestus is an extremely powerful god.
Trivia
Trivia
God/Goddess of the Month Awards
Hephaestus won the God/Goddess of the Month Poll competition for June 2013. |