Vulcan
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| Hephaestus | Vulcan |
| Vulcan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Title | |
| God of Fire and the Forge | |
| God of Metals and Metallurgy | |
| God of Volcanoes and Hammers | |
| Vital Statistics | |
| Gender | Male |
| Family | Jupiter (father) Juno (mother) Venus (wife) Mars (brother) Bellona, Juventas and Minerva (sisters) Numerous Children |
| Status | Immortal |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Height | Any |
| Other | |
| Affiliation | Roman Olympians |
| Weapons | Hammer Fire |
| Species | God |
| Home | Roman Mount Olympus |
| Greek/Roman form | Hephaestus (Greek) |
| Appearances | The Lost Hero (mentioned) |
| Actor | None |
| Quests | None |
Vulcan is Hephaestus' Roman form. As Vulcan, he becomes more disciplined, militaristic, and warlike. While the Greeks envisioned Hephaestus as a benevolent and clever being, the Romans believed Vulcan was also the god of volcanoes which gave him a greater respect among their people. He may have children or descendants at Camp Jupiter near San Francisco.
Contents |
History
Vulcan was worshiped primarily to obtain his protection in averting fires, so there were numerous shrines dedicated to him where fires were most feared, such as areas near volcanoes and where grain was stored, especially at the port of Ostia. An interesting note is that his shrines stood outside of the walls of cities.
Being determined to shun the company of the other gods Vulcan established his home in the heart of Mount Etna, where he fashioned a giant forge. His workers were the one-eyed Cyclopes. He created a golden throne for Juno, and fashioned magical thunderbolts for Jupiter and Cupid's arrows.
He is said to have fathered Servius Tullius, one of the Kings of Rome, who proved his parentage by the useful talent of being able to cause fire to descend on his enemies. He was the patron of artisans and blacksmiths. In these late times he was depicted as a smith in a tunic that freed his right arm and shoulder, and with an anvil, tongs and hammer.
His festival was the Vulcanalia, falling on August 23, the period of greatest drought and highest fire risk in Italy.
The Heroes of Olympus
The Lost Hero
When Leo is claimed by Hephaestus, Vulcan's Greek aspect, Jason said that it was the symbol of Vulcan. This upset Leo, as he claimed he doesn't even like Star Trek. Annabeth then corrected Jason, saying that was his Roman name, but Leo's father was Hephaestus. Later, Leo asked Will Solace what was up with the name Vulcan, to which will replied that they go by Greek names as those are the original ones.
Representation
He normally is depicted as a grotesque figure with one leg shorter than the other, a deformity that resulted from being thrown from heaven by Juno or in some accounts, Jupiter.
Trivia
- Vulcan is the patron god of the English steel making city of Sheffield. His statue sits on top of Sheffield Town Hall.
- The word volcano is derived from the name of Vulcano, a volcanic island in the Aeolian Islands of Italy whose name in turn originates from Vulcan.
- A Vulcan Statue located in Birmingham, Alabama is the largest cast iron statue in the world.
- A 12 foot tall and 1200 pound Vulcan statue at California University of Pennsylvania (CAL U) serves as the school’s mascot, inspiring all students, faculty, staff and alumni at Cal U.
