Greek Mythology 101: Who is Hephaestus?
The pantheon of Greek mythology is vast and oftentimes confusing. Here, we break down exactly who each god and goddess is, helping to simplify it all for you. Welcome to Greek Mythology 101! Today’s topic: the inventor, Hephaestus.
General Info
Hephaestus is one of the twelve Olympians, son of Zeus and Hera. Born with a clubfoot, Hera was so angry and ashamed to bear such a child that she cast Hephaestus out of Olympus. However, through an ingenious invention and just a little bit of trickery, he eventually made his return and earned his place of honor amongst the gods.
Hephaestus’ domain encompasses craftsmanship, blacksmithing, the forge, and fire. He created all sorts of weapons and armor for the gods, and also invented automatons, which were basically robot servants.
Symbols & Sacred Animals
Hephaestus’ main symbols are the anvil, hammer, and tongs. These are the standard tools of a blacksmith and represent creation, forging, and physical labor. Another of his symbols is the volcano, representing the fires of the forge and transformative power. It is also said that Hephaestus’ forges were located within volcanoes.
As for animals, the donkey was sacred to Hephaestus and he was often depicted riding one. Rather than the majestic animals of his parents or siblings, the donkey demonstrates Hephaestus’ humble nature.
Relationships
Hephaestus is married to Aphrodite. You’d think that being married to the goddess of love would be a good thing, but as Aphrodite didn’t have a say in the marriage, it was not a happy one.
Hephaestus’ return to Olympus and marriage to Aphrodite actually go hand-in-hand. You see, as an act of revenge for tossing him aside, Hephaestus constructed a beautiful golden throne for his mother Hera. Once Hera sat down, the throne trapped her and she couldn’t get up again.
Zeus then promised Aphrodite’s hand in marriage to whoever can free Hera, but Hephaestus’ design is so clever that no one else could figure it out. As such, Hephaestus returned to Olympus, freeing Hera himself and claiming Aphrodite as his wife.
This would not be the only time that Hephaestus used one of his inventions for revenge: After realizing that Aphrodite was having an affair with Ares, Hephaestus planned a trap for them. As the two lovers lay in bed together, he ensnared them in an unbreakable chain-link net, dragging them to Olympus to shame them in front of all the gods.
Final Thoughts
Hephaestus is the only god to have been expelled from Olympus and return. A blacksmith and inventor, he embodies resilience, creativity, and dedication to his craft.
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