Hephaestus

Hephaestus is a figure in ancient Greek religion and myth, the god of fire, metalworking, craftsmanship, and sculpture. He is traditionally counted among the Olympian gods and serves as the divine smith of Olympus, forging weapons, armor, and other devices for the gods and heroes. His workshop is described as a forge located beneath a volcano, often on the island of Lemnos, though different myths place it in various subterranean locales.

Origins and family: In Hesiod's Theogony, Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera; in some traditions Hera alone conceived him and cast him out of Olympus due to his deformity. He is commonly depicted as lame and physically imperfect, a trait that figures in his early exile and eventual acceptance by the gods.

Myth and works: Hephaestus is credited with a number of legendary works, including Pandora, the first woman created by the gods under his forge, and the chain that bound Prometheus. He forged the splendid armor of Achilles, among other heroic accoutrements. He also created automata and everyday tools for the gods, and engineered many ingenious devices and contraptions in service of Olympus.

Relationships and cult: Hephaestus is often identified with the Roman Vulcan. In myth he is married to Aphrodite, and in tales the two are said to have been caught in an infidelity by Hephaestus using a cunning net, exposing them to the other gods. His worship was centered in ancient Greece at various places, notably the sanctuary called the Hephaesteion in Athens and his cult on Lemnos used by smiths and craftsmen.