Wednesday, 5 July 2023

THE WORKS AND WORKSHOPS OF HEPHAESTUS

 

Upon his arrival on Mount Olympus, Hephaestus built Himself a secondary forge, after that of Lemnos, and soon other forges were said to have been built beneath each of the ancient world’s known volcanoes; for the work of Hephaestus was said to have been the cause of the volcanic acivity and eruptions. Additionally, forges of Hephaestus were thus to be found upon Sicily, Imbros and Hiera.

 Famously, Hephaestus would be aided at His forges by the three first generation Cyclops, Arges, Brontes and Steropes. Hephaestus also crafted automatons to help in the workshops along with  automatic bellows.

 Automatons were central to the prowess of Hephaestus, enabling movement in non-living creations, and as such, the automatons crafted by the Greek God of Fire included the Bulls of Aeetes, Talos, and His own  handmaidens.

 Many of the features of Mount Olympus were also crafted by Hephaestus, with thrones, golden tables, the marble and gold palaces of the Gods, and also the golden gates at the entrance to Mount Olympus all being built by Him.

 


Hephaestus also made the famous chariots of Helios, Ares and Aphrodite, as well as a chariot for His sons, the Cabeiri. Many of the weapons and personal belongings for the Gods were also forged by Hephaestus and the Cyclopes. Bows and arrows for Apollo, Artemis and Eros, as well as the helmet and sandals of Hermes.

Mortals also benefited from the work of Hephaestus, as He built palaces for various kings, including Aeetes, Alcinous, and Oenopion. 

 Heracles also received a quiver made by Hephaestus, as well as the bronze clappers used by the heroes to scare away the Stymphalian birds.

 


Pelops would also benefit from gifts made by Hephaestus, for it was the God who made the shoulder bone for Pelops, in order to replace the one accidentally eaten by Demeter. Hephaestus also gave Pelops a royal sceptre,  which eventually was  owned by King Agamemnon. 

EDITED FROM www.greeklegendsandmyths.com

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