EPISODE 25

WHICH MAKES THE TRIUMPH OF HEPHAESTUS COMPLETE

Previously: The artist capable of creating the most splendid golden jewels in the whole universe has just been received on Olympus: it is Hephaestus.

Upon hearing her son’s name, Hera let out a scream and brought her hand to her mouth. Zeus, however, left his throne, approached the still-kneeling young man and gently raised him up.

“Welcome to my house, my son. You know how to work the metal as no other, and I therefore proclaim you the god of Fire and Blacksmiths. Come and live in my palace.” Then, in a grave, emotional voice, Zeus added: “And so that I may be forgiven for not having known how to protect you from your mother’s rage when you were born, ask me for anything you want, and I shall grant it.”

Hephaestus lifted up his head. A smile lit up his hideous face. He had waited for this moment for such a very long time.

Tears of joy were streaming down Hermes’ cheeks. He was happy to see his brother return to the family of the gods. And he waited with curious interest to know what he would ask of their father. Now Hephaestus was turning his villainous face towards the crowd of gods and goddesses. His gaze stopped upon Aphrodite, the goddess of Beauty.

“She is the one I want,” he told his father. “I would like to marry her.”

The gods’ assembly broke into a murmur. What was Zeus going to reply to that?

The god of gods did not hesitate for a moment, for he had promised—and Zeus always kept his word. He beckoned to Aphrodite to approach. When the goddess was by his side, he took her hand and offered it to Hephaestus:

“Aphrodite will be your wife, my son, since you so desire it.”

So the god who had been rejected on account of his ugliness was to marry the goddess of Beauty! Hephaestus was happy. With his eyes he sought the nymph Thetis among the crowd. She had been able to replace his mother. She had received him and cared for him in her cave. She had encouraged him to heat the metal, then smite it and twist it until he could give birth to these wondrous objects of silver and gold. She alone had believed in him, had had faith in him. She alone had loved him.

Thetis looked smilingly at Hephaestus. She was proud of him. She knew that from now on Hephaestus no longer needed her. She made a small sign of farewell to him. The god felt a momentary pinch in his heart, yet he was too happy finally to have been received in his father’s house. He responded to Thetis’ sign of farewell by sending her a kiss with his hand. Then he looked at Hera, his mother. There was no hatred in that look. Only love for the one who had brought him into the world.

Throughout that time, Hermes had been observing Aphrodite. What did she think of this marriage? The goddess’ face showed neither anger nor opposition, it remained as smooth, as beautiful—and as cold—as ever. “Hephaestus will have no end of trouble with her,” thought Hermes. He approached his brother, laid his hand on his shoulder and said: “I am happy to see you once again in our midst. I have looked for you for so very long…” Hephaestus was not listening, however. He had taken Aphrodite’s hand and was gazing triumphantly over the assembly of the gods. Most of the gods present were lowering their heads. They were horribly jealous of Hephaestus, for many among them had hoped to marry Aphrodite, yet Zeus had always refused.

Hermes looked with astonishment at all these powerful gods obeying his father’s will in silence. Why were they all obeying him, in fact? Why were they consenting to this marriage without saying anything at all? Yes, why exactly did Zeus command the gods?

 

To be continued…