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Hephaestus

Greek god Hephaestus with hammer
Hephaestus by Unknown

History >> Ancient Greece >> Greek Mythology

God of: Fire, blacksmiths, craftsmen, and volcanoes
Symbols: Anvil, hammer, and tongs
Parents: Hera (and sometimes Zeus)
Children: Thalia, Eucleia, and King Erichthonius of Athens
Spouse: Aphrodite
Abode: Mount Olympus
Roman name: Vulcan

Hephaestus was the Greek god of fire, blacksmiths, craftsmen, and volcanoes. He lived in his own palace on Mount Olympus where he crafted tools for the other gods. He was known as a kind and hardworking god, but also had a limp and was considered ugly by the other gods.

How was Hephaestus usually pictured?

Hephaestus was usually shown working at a fiery forge with his hammer, tongs, and an anvil. He wasn't a good looking man, but he was very strong due to his work as a blacksmith. Unlike many of the other Greek gods, he did not ride a chariot, but rode a donkey.

What powers and skills did he have?

He was very skilled in metalworking, stonework, and other crafts that were typically performed by Greek men. He could control both fire and metal to do his will. He also had the ability to make his creations move. He used this power to create two golden handmaidens who assisted him in his work.

Birth of Hephaestus

In some stories, Hephaestus is the son of the gods Hera and Zeus. However, in other stories he only has Hera as his mother. Hera used a magical herb to become pregnant. When she birthed Hephaestus, she was disgusted by his lame foot and threw him from Mount Olympus hoping he would die.

Return to Olympus

Hephaestus fell from the sky for several days and eventually landed in the sea where he was rescued by some sea nymphs. The nymphs hid him from Hera and raised him in an underwater cave. It was during this time that he learned how to craft wonderful works from metal. Eventually, Zeus learned of his existence and let him move back to Mount Olympus.

A Great Craftsman

Hephaestus created all sorts of interesting items for the gods on Mount Olympus. Below are a list of some of his works:
Interesting Facts About the Greek God Hephaestus Activities For more about Ancient Greece:

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Works Cited

History >> Ancient Greece >> Greek Mythology



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