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Home » Ancient History

Hephaestus Greek God of Blacksmiths Facts

Published: Jul 16, 2018 · Modified: Nov 9, 2023 by Russell Yost · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Hephaestus is the Greek god of Blacksmiths and is a master craftsman. He is the god of sculptors, carpenters, and metalworkers. Was is known as the ugliest Greek god who married the lovely Aphrodite and struggled with her infidelity throughout their marriage. 

Hephaestus Greek God
Jump to:
  • Hephaestus Greek God: Deformed God
  • Hephaestus Greek God: Master Craftsman
  • Hephaestus Greek God: Women
  • Hephaestus Greek God: Online Resources

Hephaestus Greek God: Deformed God

Hephaestus is known for his beautiful creations and deformity. It is unclear if Zeus or Hera caused him to become lame, but it is clear that he was a lame god who was despised by his mother. She could not look at his deformity, and this caused much pain for Hephaestus. He was cast out from her sight and taken in by Thetis and Eurynome for nine years.

The anger towards his mother did not subside, and he plotted to hurt Hera. He crafted a Golden Throne for his mother as a gift. When she saw the throne, she loved it, and when she sat in it, she was instantly tied up with strings that only the craftsman could see. The gods and goddesses pleaded with Hephaestus to loosen it, but he refused, and she remained chained to the golden throne for a long period of time. It was not until Dionysus got Hephaestus drunk that he agreed to free Hera.

Hephaestus Greek God: Master Craftsman

Hephaestus's work was legendary. He made armor and weapons for the gods and demigods that was used in many fateful events.

He built indestructible bronze mansions for all the Olympian gods, and with each mansion they had something unique for each of the gods and goddesses.

It was also said that Hephaestus built automata, which were handmaidens of gold that he could interact with and could assist him. He also fashioned golden dogs to guard the palace of Alcinous and Talos, a giant bronze man to protect Crete. Some even say that, at the request of Zeus, he also sculpted the first mortal woman, Pandora.

Hephaestus Greek God: Women

He had little fortune with women. Zeus betrothed Aphrodite to him, but she was unfaithful from the beginning and had no intention of keeping her commitment to him. He captured her and Ares in the act of adultery and let them hang in a net until he was convinced to free them.

He also tried to force himself on Athena, which did not work in his favor. He spilled his seed on the earth and impregnated Gaea, which gave birth to Erichthonius, who became an early ruler of Athens.

Hephaestus Greek God: Online Resources

  • Wikipedia - Greek God of Blacksmiths
  • Greek Mythology - Story of Hephaestus
  • The History Junkie's Guide to the Ancient World
  • The History Junkie's List of Greek Gods and Goddesses
  • The History Junkie's Timeline of Ancient Greece

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