The Story of Hephaestus - (1)
Not long after the situation with the rampaging King Oedipus in Thebes was resolved, I was sharing my powers with my newly appointed priests.
“May the blessing of Hades be upon you...” “O guardian god of Thebes...”
Perhaps it was because I had personally descended to deal with Oedipus, unlike Dionysus, who only sent a divine beast, that the people's faith in me had become even stronger.
“Dionysus sent a divine beast, but the lord of the underworld himself descended to help.” “Indeed, it's hard to find anyone in Thebes who isn’t a follower of Hades.” “Of course, who in Thebes hasn’t received the grace of Pluto?”
As a result, the priests of my temple have been kept busy, managing the daily influx of people and verifying those who wish to become new priests.
Even Penedeye, who was newly appointed as the high priest after the previous one stepped down, was complaining of fatigue.
But among the new priests, I noticed a particularly familiar figure.
“Hehe... Handsome and all-powerful Lord Hades...”
Bright, pale turquoise hair... a water nymph, a Naiad. Could it be Mente, whom I met near Mount Etna?
She was praying to me. Surprisingly, her devotion was so strong that I could even descend into her body.
“Mente, how did you become one of my priests?” “Hah! Lord Hades!”
I spoke to her telepathically, and Mente was startled. The other worshippers around her turned to look.
“Did she just hear Lord Hades?” “As expected from the one who created mint...” “She must be truly favored by Lord Hades...”
Mente, smiling brightly, moved to a quiet place and clasped her hands together once more.
“I came all the way here when I heard there was a temple of Lord Hades in Thebes!” “Aren’t you a nymph from near Mount Etna? How did you come to Thebes...?”
Nymphs are spirits that dwell in nature or objects, and if the place they inhabit is destroyed, the nymph dies as well.
That’s why most nymphs don’t stray far from where they dwell.
“Well, I wanted to serve Lord Hades! There are goddesses, but even in the mortal world...”
Was this because I had made mint a symbol associated with me? It was a rightful reward, and she deserved the recognition.
“If you don’t protect your origin, you could be in danger at any moment. Even so...” “I’m fine! I’ve asked other nymphs to guard my origin!”
Even if she had asked other nearby nymphs she was close to protect her origin, it was like a human leaving their heart behind and traveling far away.
As I was left speechless, Mente cheerfully smiled and spoke again.
“I heard that Lord Hades sometimes descends into the body of a priest...” “That’s true...” “So if you were to descend into my body, we could become one... kyah!”
For a moment, I saw a glimpse of Zeus in her expression. Typical Greek nymph behavior—she's a little eccentric...
“Next time you descend, please do so into my body!”
Isn’t she afraid of me...? Even other nymphs and gods tremble in fear at the sight of me...
Then again, when I revealed my identity near Mount Etna, she had asked for the reward of spending time with me. Perhaps it’s the rumor spreading in Thebes that I am the god of mercy, Pluto, that made her think this way.
Well, she is rather charming, so I’ll let it go.
After disconnecting from the mortal world, I took some time to handle my duties.
The news that Gaia had corrupted King Oedipus, the hero of Thebes, had already been relayed to Olympus. I explained to Dionysus that it was due to Gaia’s influence. I had also completed my patrol of Tartarus and Mount Etna. There were no longer any severe criminals that Minos found difficult to judge...
Finally, I could get some rest, right?
Just as I was about to relax on my throne, the goddess of oaths entered the room.
“Hades, are you free at the moment?”
Lady Styx?
“What’s the matter? Has Thanatos tried to escape again...” “Hephaestus is at the entrance to the underworld and wants to consult with you.”
“Hephaestus? Bring him in, then.”
What could Hephaestus want to consult with me about? Could there be a soul he cherishes among the dead?
After a short wait, the lame god with a simple face, Hephaestus, entered. The greatest blacksmith god in the world, he appeared somewhat troubled.
“Uncle Hades, thank you for seeing me despite your busy schedule.”
“If it’s you, who crafted my bident, you’re welcome in the underworld anytime.”
I called for a servant to bring nectar and offered it to Hephaestus. He drained the golden cup in one gulp and then spoke to me.
“Aphrodite is so cold to me, Uncle...”
“Ah...”
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Aphrodite was known for having relationships with other gods despite being married to Hephaestus. I was aware that Hephaestus knew this...
“No matter how hard I try to win the heart of the goddess of beauty, she shows no interest. Would you believe that we haven’t even shared a bed since our marriage?”
Not even once? Good heavens... was it that bad?
You gifted her the magical girdle, the Cestus Himás, and crafted everything she asked for...
“So why are you coming to me with this issue? There are many other popular gods like Apollo or others you could consult with.”
Hephaestus glanced at the goddess Styx beside me and then spoke.
“Well, Uncle, despite being busy day and night, you’re quite popular among the goddesses, aren’t you?”
“Uh...”
“There are many goddesses in Olympus who would love to spend a night with you, Uncle Hades.”
Is he referring to those young goddesses who are practically nieces and granddaughters to me? I’ve always thought it’s the title of one of the three great gods that attracts them.
“And most of all...!” “...?” “There’s a rumor going around that my wife wants to come down to the underworld just to spend a night with you... Of course, I trust you, Uncle...”
Hephaestus’s muscular body and round eyes drooped sadly. Don’t worry... I’m not like the king of the gods, I don’t engage in infidelity...!
“Yes, I appreciate your trust. I swear by the River Styx that I have never had relations with your wife.”
“I knew you would say that! As expected, you’re known for being the most impenetrable...”
Impenetrable... what...? I gave Hephaestus a stern look, and he cleared his throat, bowing his head in apology.
“Ahem. I’m sorry. I meant to say, the dignified and honorable lord of the underworld...”
“Let’s stop with the strange comments. You wanted advice, didn’t you?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Why does Aphrodite dislike Hephaestus? Well... it’s probably his appearance.
Hephaestus, born to Hera and Zeus, was thrown from the clouds by Hera for being born with an ugly, lame appearance that disappointed her.
After falling for nine days, he landed on the island of Lemnos, where he later took revenge on Hera before reconciling with her. However, compared to the other gods, his looks weren’t exactly an advantage.
As I pondered, Hephaestus’s eyes began to fill with disappointment. His head hung lower and lower, until he seemed like he might gain a divine aspect of depression.
It was so pitiful that I was about to say something when... Ah! An idea struck me.
“Well... how about trying a different approach?”
“What...?”
“Make Aphrodite regret neglecting you and instead, have her become more attached to you...”
Hephaestus, despite his strained relationship with his wife, still loves her. That’s why he makes everything she asks for and even gave her the Cestus Himás.
“So, if you start refusing Aphrodite’s requests and act indifferent toward her...!”
At this point, the goddess Styx, who had been quietly listening, interrupted me.
“Hades! That’s not a good idea!”
“Then do you have another method to help restore harmony in Hephaestus’s marriage?”
“Well... that method definitely won’t work! If anything, it’ll make Aphrodite happier, and she’ll just spend more time with other gods!”
She would enjoy it more? How could she...
But they’re married, surely there’s some affection left...?
The goddess Styx confidently stepped forward. As a fellow goddess, perhaps she had a better solution.
“Why don’t you seek help from Lady Hera, the goddess of marriage?”
“Lady Styx... I’ve already tried that, but it didn’t work.”
“Then how about creating something that could sway the heart of a goddess, like the Cestus Himás?”
“There are already dozens of such items in my forge...”
“Then...!” “No, you don’t have to say anymore. It seems there’s no solution...”
The straightforward blacksmith god wept sorrowfully. Despite his status as one of the Twelve Olympians and his reputation as the world’s greatest blacksmith...
“My ugly face... my lame leg... must not be to Aphrodite’s liking...”
“Ah...”
Right now, he was just a pitiful man who couldn’t win the heart of the goddess he loved.
Neither Styx nor I could find any words to console him.