Hephaestus
by CTCWeb Editors
The Lame God
It is unexpected that a god or goddess would be less than physically perfect. Hephaestus was lame at birth and as Homer put it walked on thin legs. Why might the Greeks include a less than perfect god in their pantheon? There are variations in the story of Hephaestus’ survival as an imperfect god. Students should investigate what Hephaestus endured at the hands of his parents for his imperfections. They should pay close attention to Hephaestus acceptance into the pantheon for the skills he possessed. Below are some references to Hephaestus early life and handicap.
Artistic Impressions
Parthenon EF.5.33-37 - Hephaestus supports himself with a staff under his right arm and turns back towards Athena to speak.
Florence 4209 - This vase depicts the return of Hephaestus after his expulsion from Olympus by Hera. As revenge for her act, Hephaestus has sent his mother a golden thrown which trapped her when she sat in it. Hephaestus refuses to return and release her until Dionysos gets him drunk. As a reward, Hephaestus is allowed to marry Aphrodite. See view “Second body frieze, side B: return of Hephaistos: center, Zeus and Hera, Aphrodite, Dionysos, Hephaistos.” Harvard 1960.236 - Hephaestus rides an ithyphallic mule while carrying a double ax in his right hand. Compare Hephaestus’ legs to those of the satyrs who accompany him. London 1971.11-1.1 - The wedding procession of Peleus and Thetis is ended by Hephaestus riding side-saddle on a mule. Look at the view “Upper frieze: wedding of Peleus and Thetis: Hephaistos and Altheia.” Würzburg H 5352 - Hephaestus is returning to Olympus to release Hera from her bonds. He rides a donkey or mule and his left foot is exposed. His left foot is misshapen.
Textual
Apollodorus 1.3.5 - Zeus tossed Hephaestus from Olympus for attempting to rescue Hera. Hephaestus landed on Lemnos and became lame. Thetis saves him.
Apollodorus Note 1.3.5.e - This note discusses lameness in the mythology of other cultures. It does not say why lameness is significant but it is a good place to start a comparative investigation.
Herodotus 3.37.2 - The image of the Phoenician Pataici Hephaestus, which the Phoenicians hang on the prows of their triremes, is the likeness of a dwarf.
Hesiod, Theogony 928a - Despite his handicap, Hesiod describes Hephaestus as the one more skilled in crafts than any of the other gods. Hesiod, Theogony 945 - Hesiod describes Hephaestus as “the famous Lame One.”
Homeric Hymn 3b: To Pythian Apollo, lines 310-325 - Hera describes the birth of Hephaestus, her son by Zeus. She says that Hephaestus was born with a shriveled foot. Hephaestus’ deformity caused Hera great shame so she threw him off Olympus and into the sea.
Homer Iliad Book 1.598-99 - In this passage, the gods and goddesses laugh heartily as Hephaestus makes his way through the palace at Olympus. Homer Iliad Book 1.605 - Homer uses an epithet for Hephaestus that describes him as the “limping god” who has built a house for each of the gods. Homer Iliad Book 18.372 - Hephaestus is described as the “crook-foot god.” Homer Iliad Book 18.395 - Hephaestus speaks of his lameness as a result of his fall. He says that the fall was the result of his mother’s shame who wished to hide him away. Homer Iliad Book 20.36 - Homer describes Hephaestus’ might and his “slender” legs on which he moves easily.
Pausanias 5.19.8 - Hephaestus is depicted in a piece of art on which he appears to have weak legs. A slave must walk behind him holding a pair of fire-tongs.
Plato, Republic 378d - Plato relates the version of Hephaestus maiming by Zeus.
Questions
1. What did the Greeks do with physically handicapped children?
2. Why might the Greeks adopt Hephaestus as a god? He is the god of the forge and crafts but so is Athena. Why did they need Hephaestus as well?
3. Can you find a reference in the Perseus text of another god or mortal who is lame? Blind? Otherwise physically or mentally handicapped?
4. Find some examples of Hephaestus’ handiwork.
