The Odyssey Odyssey SUMMER SPECIAL: IRON MAN
Jul 25, 2024
Dive into the fascinating life of Hephaestus, the god of fire and blacksmithing, as his struggles with family dynamics unfold. Explore the stark contrasts between his imperfect craftsmanship and Athena's divine birth. Discover the chaotic mythology surrounding his revenge on Hera and the intriguing origins of Erechtheus, Athens's first king. Rich narratives and artistic representations highlight his tumultuous tales, blending humor with deep themes of friendship and honor in ancient Greek culture.
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Cartoon Memory And Empathy
- Tom Lee recalls a New Yorker cartoon to introduce empathy for Hephaestus.
- He argues Hephaestus invites more sympathy than most other gods.
Forge, Volcano, And Early Robots
- Tom Lee defines Hephaestus as god of fire, forges, volcanoes and an active blacksmith.
- Hephaestus builds weapons, palaces, jewelry and mechanical automata that prefigure science fiction.
Blacksmith Gods As Culture Bearers
- Tom Lee situates Hephaestus among global blacksmith gods who bring craft and culture to humans.
- Hephaestus taught ironworking, turning earth's raw metal into tools and weapons that reshape societies.
