The Story of Hephaestus - (2)
Hephaestus wiped his tears away with flames, which somehow seemed to reflect his sadness. Was there truly no other solution? Perhaps altering his appearance with divine power to suit Aphrodite's tastes...?
"Oh, maybe you should consult Apollo? As the god of medicine, he might be able to...” “I’ve already tried that.”
Hephaestus explained that he had indeed sought out Apollo, hoping that he could change his appearance to match Aphrodite’s preferences. But it was impossible. Transforming the appearance of one of the Olympian gods was beyond even Apollo's power, especially since Hephaestus was no ordinary human.
“When I ignite flames for my work, my face quickly returns to its original form.” “I see...”
No matter how much Apollo tried to maintain a handsome face, Hephaestus's flames and power always reverted his appearance to its original state. After all, we gods retain the appearance we were born with...
Hephaestus was a lame and unattractive blacksmith not because of his fall to Lemnos but because he was born that way.
“Thank you for listening to my troubles so seriously.” “No need to thank me... I’m sorry I couldn’t help.” “It’s alright. It’s my fault for not being able to win over my wife.”
As Hephaestus turned to leave, I noticed a flicker of flames in his eyes. Oh no... what are you thinking now, my nephew?
“But I absolutely cannot forgive Ares!” “You mean Ares, who had an affair with your wife and fathered Harmonia?”
Aphrodite’s love for Ares was strong enough that she bore him a child, the goddess of harmony, Harmonia. However, as much as the goddess of love loved Ares, it wasn't something that could be easily controlled. Hera, I’m sure, must have told them to stop after Harmonia was born.
“Didn’t Hera tell Aphrodite to stop her infidelity some time ago?” “Yes, she did. But...”
Hephaestus, unable to bear it any longer, had complained to Hera. Feeling guilty for throwing her son off Lemnos, Hera agreed to his request.
I heard from Hermes, who visits the underworld frequently, that the queen of the gods quietly summoned the two and warned them. While the Olympian gods are somewhat free-spirited in matters of love, it seems she wanted to remind them to moderate themselves after producing a child through their affair.
Even Zeus, despite his reputation, didn’t often engage in affairs that went beyond a one-night stand. When a child was born, he would be careful to avoid Hera’s wrath for some time...
“Even after Hera’s warning, they continued. I caught them in the middle of a tryst not long ago.”
Ares, true to his nature as the god of war, was muscular and handsome, with a protective nature towards his offspring. It’s no wonder Aphrodite found it hard to let him go.
“Despite having a child together and being caught several times, they still shamelessly meet!” “Hmm...” “It makes me furious at my wife, too. I’ve tolerated it because our marriage was forced, but there’s a limit...!” “It does seem excessive...” “Still, coming to the underworld has helped me clear my thoughts! Thank you, Uncle.”
What thoughts are you referring to? What are you planning now, my nephew?
“Apollo is hosting an arts festival in Olympus for several days. I would appreciate it if you could attend, Uncle.” “Well, I’m not really inclined to go up to Olympus...”
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“If you come, I’ll inspect your Styx sword, bident, and cap of invisibility.” “...Well, since my nephew is asking, of course, I’ll go.”
I had noticed some slight rust on my Styx sword anyway. If he could inspect the cap and bident as well, it would be beneficial.
Seeing me agree, Hephaestus seemed to make a firm decision, nodding heavily.
“I also have some spectacular art to show at the festival. I want as many gods as possible to see it, so I’ll invite the other gods of the underworld too...”
What are you planning?
The day of the arts festival in Olympus arrived. Apollo, the god of the arts, was hosting the event, so expectations were high...
“I’m coming with you to the festival!” “But I want to go too... Styx.”
Both Lethe and Styx wanted to accompany me to Olympus. However, only one of them could leave their post.
If both goddesses were to leave the underworld, the remaining gods would be overburdened with work, so only one could go...
“Are we really going to keep doing this?” “You were the one hugging Hades behind my back last time...” “Well, you’re always flaunting those big...!” “What did you say?!”
Goddess Styx crossed her arms with a pout, while Lethe stood with her hands on her hips, not backing down. Please... stop this.
“I’ll just go alone then...”
“Let’s settle this with a draw.” “Good idea.”
The tension was palpable as the two goddesses quickly prepared for a drawing to decide who would accompany me.
“Yes! I won! Let’s go to Olympus, Hades!” “Ugh... The goddess of fortune, Tyche, always seems to turn her back on me at times like this...”
Goddess Styx excitedly waved the winning lot in the air and hugged me. But please, stop burying my face like that... ugh!
...#$%@%!
“Let go of Hades, Styx!” “No~”
The underworld is as peaceful as ever.
So, I arrived in Olympus with Goddess Styx.
Even outside the palace, the sounds of laughter and music filled the air. The harmonious melodies of lyres, citharas, and auloi played in unison.
“Oh...? It’s Lord Hades.” “And beside him... Lady Styx? Could it be...?” “I didn’t hear any news of the lord of the underworld getting married?”
It’s been a while since I’ve heard such whispers as I walked by. Even if they try to block the sound with divine power, I can still hear it all. You young ones...
“Wow... Hades, look over there.”
Styx, who had linked arms with me, pointed to something with her free hand. There was a weaving contest with many goddesses participating.
“Oh... Their craftsmanship is remarkable.” “Does weaving require wisdom too?” “I wonder which goddess is the best weaver in Olympus...”
Weaving intricate patterns into fabric is an art form in itself. The contestants... were Athena, Hera, and Hestia.
Ssk Ssk. Cre-eak. Clank.
Athena’s tapestry depicted Zeus seated on a golden throne, countless gods battling Typhon, and herself bestowing blessings upon mortals.
Hera showcased a peaceful domestic scene, depicting a woman’s joyful face as she cradled her child.
Hestia, in contrast, wove an image of her hearth illuminating the night, evoking the warmth and comfort of her presence.
“As expected, Lady Hera is magnificent...” “Goddess Athena, as the goddess of wisdom, is also a skilled weaver.” “It’s hard to say who’s better... But Athena’s tapestry seems the most intricate...” “I agree. Does wisdom include manual skill too?”
The gods around commented on the completed tapestries of the three goddesses. Even to my eyes, Athena’s work seemed the most elaborate and well-crafted.
“Athena, you are indeed extraordinary.” “It’s just a small skill, Lady Hera.” “You captured our battle against Typhon well...”
Athena’s tapestry depicted the gods during the battle with Typhon. It even included me, wielding the bident in one hand and the cap of invisibility in the other.
As I quietly admired the tapestry, a voice called out to me.
“Lord Hades.” “Dionysus.”
With his golden curls reminiscent of Zeus and the scent of strong wine wafting around him, Dionysus, the god of wine and madness, approached me.
He swirled the golden cup of nectar he was holding, transforming its contents into a rich, dark red wine.
“Please try this. I’ve made it in the most popular style among mortals.”
I took the cup and sipped the wine. The bittersweet flavor, accompanied by the deep aroma of grapes, was delightful on the palate.
Of course, nectar tastes better, but Dionysus’s wine is a pleasant enough treat. As I set down the empty cup, the wine god sighed and spoke.
“Ah... Because of the recent events, my worship in Thebes has significantly decreased.” “You mean when King Oedipus lost his mind.” “The temple was burned, the worshippers fled... It seems unlikely that my worship will ever recover in Thebes.”
But in Thebes, during your spread of worship, you instilled fear by killing even the king. It didn’t seem like the loyalty or faith of your followers was that deep...
“I have a request, Uncle.” “Go ahead.” “Even if Gaia is to blame, can you not impose a harsher punishment on Oedipus?”
That’s not possible. No matter how much my nephew asks, I can’t change the laws of the underworld on a whim.
“Once a judgment is passed, it cannot be altered. And I determined that his punishment was appropriate.” “But that man killed one of my beloved leopards.” “I understand your situation. But please remember that he was a victim as well.” “Yes... I understand, Uncle.”
Dionysus nodded with a bitter smile and stepped back quietly.
I had already explained the decision regarding Oedipus to him, but it seems he’s still holding on to his grudge.
“You’re still lenient with mortals, Uncle. Even refusing your nephew’s request.” “Hermes.” “And may I whisper something to you for a moment...?”
Hermes approached me with a mischievous grin. Why whisper... is there something secret he wants to share?
“Hehe... Is it true that you refused Dionysus’s request simply because he’s not a cute female relative?” “Stop with the nonsense. Now tell me, is there a war or something?” “What do you mean?” “Despite this being a major festival, some gods are missing. I don’t see Ares either.”
This festival seems just like any other in Olympus, but I’ve noticed that some gods are absent. Ares, who would usually be enjoying his nectar, isn’t here. Aphrodite, who should be sitting somewhere eyeing the gods, is also missing.
And most importantly...
“I came because Hephaestus invited me, but where is he?” “Well... As far as I know, Hephaestus went to Lemnos for some business and was supposed to return a few days later.”
What is going on?
Just as Hermes looked equally puzzled, the blacksmith god appeared on a large platform.
“Wait a minute... Wasn’t Hephaestus supposed to be on Lemnos?” “I thought he wouldn’t return until the last day of the festival.”
Hephaestus sought permission from Zeus and then began to speak. His powerful voice echoed throughout Olympus.
“Ahem. Ahem. Everyone! I, Hephaestus, have created a masterpiece, the pinnacle of art, for all the gods participating in this festival!”
The next chapter will be updated on August 10 at 8 PM.