Hephaestus was the Greek god of fire, blacksmithing, volcanoes, and craftsmanship:
- Known for: Hephaestus was the divine blacksmith of the gods, creating armor, weapons, jewelry, and lightning for his father Zeus. He was also the patron of craftsmen and artisans.
- Symbols: Hephaestus’s symbols included the hammer, tongs, ax, and quail.
- Workshop: Hephaestus’s workshop was located beneath volcanoes, such as Mount Etna in Sicily.
- Relationships: Hephaestus was the son of Zeus and Hera, but some accounts say he was Hera’s child without a father. He was married to Aphrodite, but they never had children.
- Roman counterpart: Hephaestus’s Roman counterpart was Vulcan.
- Art: Hephaestus was usually depicted as a middle-aged bearded man with a short tunic and a close-fitting cap.
Hephaestus’s story is a testament to resilience and creativity. He was rejected by his mother, faced mockery from the gods, and endured the infidelity of his wife. However, he used these experiences to create art and solve problems creatively.