Hephaestus (Vulcan) - God of Smiths and Metalworkers

Symbol - axe

Hephaistos [Hephaestus], the celestial artist, was the son of Hera. He was born lame, and his mother was so displeased at the sight of him that she flung him out of Olympus. Other accounts say that Zeus kicked him out for taking part with his mother in a quarrel which occurred between them. Hephaistos's lameness, according to this account, was the consequence of his fall. He was a whole day falling, and at last alighted in the island of Lemnos, which was thenceforth sacred to him. 

Hephaestus was raised in the sea by two nereids, and he grew up happily in the underwater world. As the years passed, he became very skilled in the art of decorative work in iron and other metals. He was a gifted designer, and crafted the most beautiful jewelry.

One day Hera saw some of the beautiful jewelry that her son had created. She demanded to know who it was that could create such a lovely piece with such talent. Zeus sent messengers to fetch Hephaestus, but he refused to come to the surface. Finally his brother, Dionysis, filled him with wine and persuaded him to meet with Hera on Mount Olympus.

Once on the surface, Hera gave Hephaestus a massive workshop with many bellows, anvils, and helpers. Hephaestus created many beautiful ornaments, weapons, decorative furniture, and jewelry.

Hera then decided that Hephaestus should have a wife, and it was arranged for him to wed Aphrodite. However, Aphrodite would have many affairs with other gods and mortals, and Hephaestus soon grew regretted his marriage to Aphrodite.

He is the only god to be physically ugly.  He is the god of fire and the forge. He is the smith and armorer of the gods. He uses a volcano as his forge. He is the patron god of both smiths and weavers. He is kind and peace loving.