THETIS THE MOTHER

 #Thetis #Greekgoddess #Achiles #Hephaestus #mythology 

THETIS THE MOTHER

While THETIS obtaining a new Shield and set of armour for her son Achilleus is a popular theme in Greek Roman and later art let us give some thought as to why Hephaestus was so willing to help her.

Art dealing with this topic seems to have been lost but Thetis and her Nereid sisters acted as a foster mother to both Hephaestus and Dionysious.

It may well be that some art thought to depict the return of Hephaestus to Olympus actually are depictions of Hephaestus riding to Thetis' wedding ? 

Note in this image Hephaestus wears a wreath and his half brother Dionysious is next to him?

She's also shown as the Mother mourning her son 

But let us end again with Thetis the Mother riding her seahorse to carry a new shield to her son.

The Return of Hephaestus

THE RETURN OF HEPHAESTUS

There is a lost comedy by Epicharmus of which we know only a summary of the story plus some pottery that may reflect scenes from the play.

The story was that Dionysios meet or sought out Hephaestus in a tavern and coaxed him into returning to Olympus and reconciling him with Hera.

Hephaestus is the rider on the back of a mule with Hermes leading the mule towards a seated figure.

Note that Hephaestus carries the tongs of a smith.

Here's another version.

In both his garments suggest a wealthy young man.

Its a pity we do not have the play. It would be interesting to see how the Irony of the illegitimate son having to coax the legitimate son back home was dealt with. 

The Greeks saw Dionysios and alcohol when used wisely as having the power to reduce social tensions.

Another aspect of this is mules being used as mobility aids for the disabled. 

I wonder if Hephaestus is shown riding a mule because for people with mobility issues if one could afford a trained mule or donkey it was a better option than crutches or walking sticks?