Greek Myths XS: Hephaistos-Vulcan's Revenge

When Hera discovered that her son Hephaistos (or Vulcan) had a limp, she banished him from her sight. Once grown up, he returned to Olympos as a master-blacksmith, who would create marvels like Helios’ sun chariot, Zeus’ thunderbolts, Athena’s breastplate, Aphrodite’s love belt and Achilles’ armour. But first, he had an account to settle. He took revenge on Hera by gluing her to a golden throne. He would only set her free if she arranged a marriage for him. With the goddess of love, Aphrodite, of all people. The bride’s opinion wasn’t asked, so needless to say things didn’t work out. Rumour has it he chased Athena – rather unsuccesfully – and Aphrodite preferred war god Ares in her bed. One day, Hephaistos actually walked in on them, and threw a net over the couple. It caused a lot of hilarity, but didn’t exactly soften his wife’s feelings for him. As a result, by lack of company, he created so called “automatons”, that fulfilled domestic tasks, but could also think and talk.The force was strong in this one, indeed.

Talus Crater, Museo Jatta, Ruvo di Puglia, Italy

Hera figure, Paestum, British Museum, London, UK