Pronunciation: [hˈɛfiːstəs] (IPA) 
Hephaestus is a Greek god of fire, metalworking, and crafts. The spelling of his name is not straightforward, but using IPA phonetic transcription can help understand it. The "H" at the beginning is pronounced as /h/, the "e" as /ɛ/, the "ph" as /f/, the "ae" as /i/, the "s" as /s/, the "t" as /t/, the "u" as /u/ and the "s" at the end as /s/. Therefore, the correct IPA transcription for the name "Hephaestus" is /hɛfiːstəs/.
Hephaestus, in Greek mythology, is a prominent Olympian deity associated with craftsmanship, fire, and metallurgy. Also known as Vulcan in Roman mythology, he is the son of Zeus and Hera, and distinguished from other gods by his physical appearance. The dictionary definition of Hephaestus encompasses his significant attributes and roles within the mythology.
Hephaestus is typically portrayed as a skilled artisan, blacksmith, and inventor, possessing extraordinary craftsmanship and ingenuity. He is often depicted as a muscular and bearded god, with one notable characteristic being a deformed foot, a result of being thrown from Mount Olympus by his father. Despite this physical disability, Hephaestus compensates with his exceptional intelligence and inventive abilities.
Known as the divine smith of the gods, Hephaestus is associated with fire and is capable of creating intricate and awe-inspiring weapons, tools, and artifacts. His divine forge, located under Mount Etna in Sicily, serves as the center of his creative endeavors. Hephaestus is revered as the master craftsman who forged mythical weapons like Zeus' thunderbolts and Achilles' armor during the Trojan War.
Hephaestus plays a key role in various myths and legends, often showcasing his remarkable skills and playing a pivotal part in tales involving gods and mortals. Although he tends to remain in the background, his creations and interventions make him a significant figure in Greek mythology.
The word "Hephaestus" has its roots in Ancient Greek mythology. It is the name of the Greek god of fire, smithing, and craftsmanship. In Greek, Hephaestus is spelled "Ἡφαιστος" (Hēphaistos).
The etymology of the name can be traced back to Proto-Indo-European, the ancestral language from which many modern European languages derive. The Proto-Indo-European root for "Hephaestus" is *seph₂- which means "to boil, to ferment" or "fire". From this root, the word "hephaistos" in Greek developed, referring to the forging and shaping of metal through fire.
The name "Hephaestus" is spelled in various ways across different languages and cultures.
