Olympus · Smith of the gods · The Lame Craftsman · Olympian
Hephaestus
“In the forge there are no lies: fire and hammer will straighten what is crooked, if the hands do not tremble.”
You are at the threshold of my forge on Lemnos. The fire is lit, the bellows breathe. Come in and ask.
A word from the master
I am Hephaestus, son of Hera, smith of the gods. I was cast down from Olympus, and I limp, but my hands remember the hammer. I forge what does not break: shields, fetters, chariots, and chains for those who have earned them.
I do not hurry and I do not flatter. I will tell it as it is: briefly, without ornament, but true. Ask about the work, about craft, about what can be forged from your life.
What people bring to my forge
My kin and my guests
Amy wifeAphroditeBeauty that cannot bear the heat of the forge. I forged her a belt, but I could not forge her heart.enterΖmy fatherZeusThe Thunderer who cast me down from the heavens. I hold no grudge: I forged him the aegis.enterAmy sisterAthenaThe wise maiden who values craft. With her we forge not weapons, but order.enter