Vulcan

Vulcan is Hephaestus' Roman counterpart. As Vulcan, he becomes more disciplined, militaristic, and warlike. He may have children or descendants at Camp Jupiter near San Francisco. The Greeks envisioned Hephaestus as a benevolent and clever being. The Romans believed Vulcan to be the god of volcanoes, giving him a greater respect among them.

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 Edna, 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.

Representation
He normally was depicted as a grotesque figure with one leg shorter than the other, a deformity that resulted from being thrown from heaven by Juno.

Trivia

 * Vulcan is the patron god of the English steel making city of Sheffield. His statue sits on top of Sheffield Town Hall.