Hephaestus and Aphrodite

1. Why was Hera disappointed when Hephaestus was born? What did she do with him?
Hera was disappointed because he was shriveled and ugly with an irritating, bleating wail. She threw him off of Olympus.

2. Who saved Hephaestus?
A playful naiad named Thetis saved him because he thought he was a tadpole.

3. What made Hera change her mind about her son? What did Hephaestus become the god of?
Hera wanted her son back because she saw Thetis wearing lovely jewelry that she wanted. She then demanded him back. Hephaestus became the smith god, the great artificer and the lord of mechanics.

4. Compare Hephaestus and Apollo. How do their appearances differ?
Hephaestus is hideous yet Apollo is the most gorgeous god. Their appearances differ because Apollo had dark gold hair and stormy blue eyes. He was strong and handsome but Hephaestus was shriveled, small and weak.

"Aphrodite"
5. How was Aphrodite "created"? How is this birth similar to Athene's?

She was created by primal murder. Cronos butchered her fathers head where Aphrodite arose from foam, naked and dripping. Her birth is similar to Athene's because Athene came out of Zeus' head.

6. What gifts was Aphrodite promised by her suitors?
She was promised to be queen of the sea, drowned sailors, gems, riddles, fair surfaces, grottoes, sunsets, typhoons and secrets.

7. Which husband did Aphrodite choose? Do you think she chose wisely? Why/why not?
She chose Hapheastus the grimy little smith because he could not offer a lot but he was a good husband.

8. Which goddess is most powerful: Demeter, Artemis, or Aphrodite? Explain the reasoning behind your choice.

The most powerful was Aphrodite because she chose love over power.