Let us recall the course of Greek mythology in order to single out perhaps the most outstanding character from it. God Hephaestus, indeed, is very different from other representatives of the pantheon. Among the impeccably beautiful, divinely perfect Olympians, the deliberately ugly blacksmith stands apart. However, his strength lies in creativity. The ability to create, and not the outer shell, made him the most worthy of the gods.
Greek god Hephaestus: birth
Hephaestus was born a Hero. But about the paternity of Zeus, opinions differ. According to some myths, Hera gave birth to a offspring without the participation of her husband. Thus, she avenged the latter for the birth of Athena, who, as you know, was born from the head of the Thunderer. But the more popular version is that Hephaestus is the son of Hera and Zeus.
That's just from birth the baby was not distinguished by force. He was ugly and weak. Hera was ashamed of such a son and got rid of him, dropping him from Olympus into the sea. But it was not destined to die, since the oceanids Thetis and Eurynome who found him were imbued with pity for the unfortunate baby. They hid him in a deep grotto and nursed him for nine years. However, the future god of fire did not remain in debt. He created many wonderful decorations for his adoptive parents.
Return to Olympus took place after the reconciliation of Hephaestus with the Hero. Dionysus himself accompanied him back.
The second fall, after which the divine blacksmith became lame, happened already at the behest of Zeus. An infuriated ruler of Olympus overthrew him from heaven because he had the courage to stand up for Hera during a quarrel. It is believed that this fall was very long. God Hephaestus flew all day until he fell on the island of Lemnos already at sunset.
Fire element
The element of fire has always evoked respect, mixed with fear. Fire is free to build, and free and mercilessly destroy. Flames escaping from the craters of volcanoes sweep away everything in its path. But the same flame can melt metals, giving them the form of weapons or utensils. Very often, fire is perceived by people as a kind of purification. An element that can kill or revive.
The God of Fire Hephaestus fully symbolizes the complex nature of the flame. He himself more than once went through a complete fall to a new elevation. Its lameness and ugliness is a consequence of belonging to such an indomitable element. The volcano (namely, the Romans called Hephaestus) often causes fear, it does not seem beautiful. But the bright flame burning within him is the fire that burns in the hearths. These are forged armor, swords, tools, vessels.
Pantheon spot
Now it becomes clear why the Greeks, despite their admiration for physical perfection, revered the blacksmith from Olympus.
It was Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire, who taught people skill. He is considered the patron saint of crafts. To him, humanity owes knowledge on the taming of metal. In a way, he is close to Athena. Like the goddess of art, Hephaestus overshadows with his mercy artists working with fire. The same jewelers, creating their elegant products, use the element of fire to melt silver or gold. Yes, and blacksmiths sometimes forge true masterpieces. From under their hammer cunning plexuses of stems, buds and flowers come to light. No wonder Venus got such an unusual god into a wife. The goddess of beauty next to the rude and ugly husband, whose hands created amazing things, emphasized the idea that in such a union true harmony is born.
Blacksmith god
God Hephaestus is one of those rare gods that did not shy away from labor and invention. Even the omnipotent inhabitants of Olympus sometimes resorted not to cunning or divine power, but went to the lame blacksmith for his wonderful “crafts”. Hephaestus did not refuse a request to anyone. With his hands were created the scepter and aegis of Zeus, the shield of Hercules, the trident of Poseidon, the weapons of Achilles. A palace made of bronze towered on Olympus, in which a large forge was equipped. In it, Hephaestus created his intricate utensils.
Attributes of the Creator God
Each Olympian has his own personal attribute. This is a kind of personification of his strength and personal qualities. The symbol of the god Hephaestus is the anvil and tools of the blacksmith. It is they who convey the very essence of the deity.
In general, it is customary in art to portray Hephaestus as a very strong man with a powerful torso and the arms of a hammer thief. At the same time, an egg-shaped cap is often flaunted on his head, such in Greece was worn by artisans. And Hephaestus always wears a short tunic. It is characteristic of workers, who also left their right shoulder naked for convenience.
Rituals and worship
As mentioned above, the Greeks respected Hephaestus with great respect. Especially his cult was strong in Sicily and in Campania. This fact is explained simply. Etna and Vesuvius located there have always thrilled the locals in awe. It seemed that flame was constantly raging inside these mountains. And no one except Hephaestus is able to tame him in time. And it was also believed that it was inside these volcanoes that the famous forges of God are located.
But even in Athens they paid tribute to Hephaestus. In his honor, ritual competitions with torches were held on major holidays. Young men participated in such races. Each of them was given a lit torch in their hands. And then there was a signal to start the match. All participants rushed to a predetermined goal. The winner is the one who reaches the finish line with unextinguished fire. It was he who got the prize.
In Rome, the cult of the fiery blacksmith did not fade. His temple was located on the Champ de Mars, near the circus Flaminius. In honor of the lame Vulcan even special holidays were organized, which were called Vulcanalia.
Artistic heritage
God Hephaestus is familiar to us not only from the Greek frescoes that have come down to us, murals on vases, sculptures. His powerful figure is easily recognized in later Roman images.
Then came a short period of oblivion. It seemed that the Greek gods forever left the minds of men. They are forgotten and will not return. However, the Renaissance gave us a new rise of the Olympians. Zeus, Achilles, Venus, Ares - forgotten celestials, again shone in all its glory. The artists and the divine blacksmith did not pass their attention. The fire in the furnace again ignited; again, strong hands raised the hammer.
The plot is played out by modern artists. Of course, their works are already very far from the canon. But then they perfectly convey the very essence of the fiery deity.
Creative impulse
You can ask the question: "Why do we need knowledge about some ancient deity?" In fact, the deity by his example proves the need for creative activity and inflexibility, even in conditions when everything is against you. Despite physical disabilities, Hephaestus was able to become one of the Olympians. Despite the painful fall, he again took his place among the perfect celestials. His desire for creativity aroused well-deserved respect in both divine and human creatures.
Often one has heard complaints that certain far-fetched obstacles interfere with self-expression. Failures plunge into despondency, own imperfection seems insurmountable. And the acquired mutilation puts an end to later life.
But by the example of Hephaestus, one can observe how indomitable internal fire and power are able to raise from any abyss. For creativity, no matter how perfect you are. What matters is only your desire for creation.