We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Finding Resilience & Strength through Traditional Tales.
Vulcan vs. Venus –
From Romans
Vulcan is the Roman counterpart of Hephaestus from the Greeks. Between Vulcan and Hephaestus, I like the Greek version better. Many of the Roman gods and goddesses evolved from the Greeks. Yet, the personalities were slightly different in this transition.
I learned recently (thanks to Despina Ariou and Maria Papanikolaou) from a 4-week deep-dive into Greek Mythology that the gods and goddesses were really a structure and reflection of philosophy rather than as a religion. I suspect the same for the Romans.
In the poem by Hesiod called “The Theogony,” Hephaestus never married Aphrodite. I have to wonder if the Romans with Vulcan had revengeful story linked to Venus and Mars (Ares). Then, in the confusion, both Vulcan and Hephaestus are linked to this story. Hmmm. Greek and Roman myths are often epicentric in that many conflicting versions exist due to every city resonated with certain gods and goddesses more and tweaked stories accordingly.
50-word-or-less summary:
Vulcan and Venus marry. Venus has intimate relations with Mars. Vulcan creates inescapable net that traps Venus and Mars. Vulcan summons other gods and goddesses to reveal infidelity. Released. Mars transforms Sol (sun god) into a rooster/cockerel as punishment for no warning. Explains why roosters are now known for crowing.
Finding the Story:
Article/Story – Mars and Venus Caught in a Net – here
Art – Mars and Venus Surprised by Vulcan – here
Art – When Love Conquers War: Botticelli’s Venus and Mars – here
Mythopedia – Roman God Vulcan – here
World History Encyclopedia – Venus – here
Finding Resilience & Strength:
Whether looking at this story with Roman eyes (Vulcan) or with Greek eyes (Hephaestus), both cultures have this god as one that was abused. Either Juno (Hera) or Jupiter (Zeus) hurled him over the side of heaven when born and deemed ugly and lame. Vulcan had it rough from the beginning.
Yet, he became known as one of the kindest of the gods.
This story of revenge for Venus and Mars can also be understood as Venus was Vulcan’s wife. Even those known for being kind can have those overwhelming moments. Vulcan did get past this humiliating moments and still gave of his talents of metalwork, smithing, and extreme creativity and engineering to help so many from the weakest of the weak to the strong. Vulcan helped when he could.
Here is a list of tips from Choosing Therapy called “How to Deal with Feeling Overwhelmed: 25 Ways to Cope” to explore mental health strategies. So Vulcan chose to make a net. He certainly was overwhelmed due to relationship stressors!
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See quick list of programs here.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been resilient and strong during these past years and looks forward to the next hybrid summit & festival on May 8-11, 2023. We would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Ashton Family Foundation
I don’t know as much about Roman mythology. I need to read up more on it.