Role and attributes: Hephaestus was the chief blacksmith of Greek mythology. He was responsible for making the weapons and attributes of the other gods, such as the bottle of Zeus, the helmet of Athena, and the trident of Poseidon1. He was also the creator of the first wife, Pandora. His attributes are an enclume and a hammer, which symbolize his work as a blacksmith1.

Myths and stories: One of the most famous myths about Hephaestus is his marriage to Aphrodite. Hephaestus discovered that Aphrodite was having an affair with his brother Ares and decided to betray her by capturing her in a net of invisible chains3. He released her on the condition that she would marry him. Hephaestus was not the only man in her life, however, and Aphrodite continued to fool him3.

Contemporary influence: Hephaestus is still revered by some modern believers and is often seen as a symbol of creativity, engineering, and perseverance.

Rituals and tributes:

1. Altars: Believers often create altars to Hephaestus, decorated with symbols such as enclaves, hammers, and metal objects.

2. Prayers and offerings: They offer prayers and offerings to Hephaestus, such as metal objects and wine.

3. Festivals and celebrations: Modern followers celebrate festivals dedicated to Hephaestus, such as the ancient Greek festival of Hephaestia, where they make offerings and participate in rituals that celebrate forging and fire.