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sarafangirlart · 4 days

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Debunking some misinformation about Hephaestus and Aphrodite’s Marriage

I’m so sick and tired so I’m making a thread, enjoy. I’ll break it down into several points.

1. Hephaestus demanded Aphrodite’s hand in marriage in exchange for Hera’s freedom and Aphrodite was forced into the marriage

You’d be surprised by how this isn’t even attested in ancient sources, rather it’s just a theory made by modern scholars bc of how spotty and limited our knowledge about this marriage is, let’s look at the actual sources:

Notice how Aphrodite isn’t even mentioned mentioned as the “prize”? Hephaestus does ask for a goddess in exchange for freeing Hera, but it’s not Aphrodite, it’s Athena. The usual course of events is this:

Hephaestus is angry at Hera for her mistreatment and sends a golden throne that traps her

The other gods try to persuade him to free her but he refuses

Dionysus convinces him by getting him drunk

Again the theory that Aphrodite was the prize for whoever gets Hephaestus to Olympus is just that, a theory. Not a really good one either bc wouldn’t Aphrodite be married to Dionysus instead? It’s a really shallow portrayal of all figures involved tbh, why would Ares only be interested in freeing his mother if it meant he gets to marry Aphrodite? Why would anyone on Olympus not be worried about their queen being chained up? Believe it or not but Hera isn’t as disliked as one would think lol

Now even if Aphrodite wasn’t a prize how did she end up marrying Hephaestus? And was she forced into doing it? No actually (Lucian’s Dialogue of the gods):

That’s not to say this wasn’t an arranged marriage (it most likely was) but arranged marriage and forced marriage are not the same thing. If you think this is a forced marriage then what about Cadmus and Harmonia? Heracles and Hebe? Both these marriages were arranged by Zeus but no one would claim they’re forced marriages.

2. Aphrodite hated Hephaestus

Now this is more open to interpretation, after all love is subjective, but to say they outright hated each other would be incorrect, there is this myth that Aphrodite cursed Lemnos to have the men abandon their wives and female family members, usually bc they neglected on worshipping her (tho a late Latin source says it’s revenge for exposing her affair).

Apollonius of Rhodes' Argonautica:

However this bit seems to be rather… genuine? Almost as if she might have truly felt bad for what she did and wanted to reconcile, sounds like someone with a deeply messy and complicated relationship with their partner, but not outright hate.

Also there is this moment in Lucian’s Dialogue of the Gods which is pretty funny:

3. Hephaestus only saw Aphrodite as property

Ok I don’t like using the “it was a different time” card but like… it really does apply here lol

Now we’ve already established that Aphrodite was never a prize for Hephaestus to begin with so what about the betrothal gifts he gave to Zeus? Obviously that means he was buying Aphrodite right?

Well, no actually this is a normal part of Ancient Greek marriage (obviously it varied between cities and time periods but it usually goes something like this), the father of the bride and the groom exchange gifts with each other to establish a bond between the two, the bride herself wasn’t the “gift” Zeus’s gift to Hephaestus was most likely his place on Olympus.

To say that Hephaestus bought Aphrodite would mean that Odysseus bought Penelope, or Hector bought Andromache, both are ludicrous claims.

4. Hephaestus is an incel and Ares is this big feminist icon

No, just… no.

Ares was never considered “the protector of women” in Ancient Greece that’s tumblr fanfiction and plenty of other ppl have made posts debunking this (including me) so I won’t repeat that here. Now about Hephaestus being an “incel” all the male Olympians have at least one story where they harm an innocent/defenseless woman, all of them, yes including Ares who persecuted Leto while she was heavily pregnant by Hera’s orders.

5. Aphrodite cheated to “regain her sexuality”

No Patrick, cheating on your disabled spouse with his brother in the bed and palace he made for you is not a girlboss move it’s being an asshole (all the gods are flawed, how thought provoking). Hell, even Zeus wouldn’t pull shit like this with Hera.

Aphrodite and Ares most likely did this hoping it would be the last place anyone would suspect an affair, since Aphrodite could’ve had sex with Ares in his own place or some meadow somewhere but that might cause ppl to be too suspicious.

6. Ares is a big dumb brute who can’t take a hint and only saw Aphrodite for her beauty

Believe it or not, just bc I criticize Aphrodite and Ares doesn’t mean I hate them lol. Now look, all the gods care deeply about looks but that’s not the only thing that Ares and Aphrodite love about each other. Here is Ares being a total simp and actually listening to her:

Iliad book 5

Thebaid book 3

7. Aphrodite felt neglected by Hephaestus bc he’s too busy at the forge

No lol, she straight up works with him at the forge, why wouldn’t she? If anything this claim makes Aphrodite even more shallow than she actually is.

8. Aphrodite and Ares didn’t care about being humiliated in the golden net and Ares straight up brags about cucking his brother

Yes I’ve heard such claims and no Ares and Aphrodite are actually capable of feeling shame lol, almost as if they were in the wrong. Also why would Ares actively antagonize the guy who makes all his stuff? Maybe that’s why Athena keeps beating his ass, bc Hephaestus purposely gives Ares shitty weapons and armor lol

Anyways umm… I think that’s it? Maybe I missed a few things bc I’m frustrated af rn

Just so y’all know, I’m not a scholar I’m just autistic and read a lot lol. I hope I didn’t miss something or get anything wrong.

Have a good day (or night).

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thingsphoenix21 · 6 months

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Aphrodite: And I was like why are you so obsessed with me? Hephaestus*chilling*: Who wouldn't be? Aphrodite*blushing*

#greek myths #incorrect greek gods #greek gods #greek incorrect quotes #greek mythology #ancient greek #ancient greece #aphrodite #hephaestus #aphrodite x hephaestus #hephaestus got rizz #like i know he does #aphrodite blushing

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godsofhumanity · 6 months

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Aphrodite: Personally, bad english is such a turn off for me. Hephaestus: You don't need to put "for me" after saying "personally".......

#LOL #really really really love aphrodite-hephaestus postingggg they're so sillay #greek gods #greek mythology #aphrodite #hephaestus #hephaestus x aphrodite #aphrodite x hephaestus #incorrect mythology #mythology #s: nicki & marquis c. lett on twitter.. urls were censored so idk who they were specifically #queuetzalcoatl

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h0bg0blin-meat · 2 months

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Aphrodite: 🔨

Hephaestus: I don't think you understand how much I love you.

Aphrodite: Hamber

Hephaestus: Like.... It is.... Indescribable.

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standardlilith · 7 months

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MY BABIES!!"!"!$+$;

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perish-the-creator · 7 months

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Aphrodite: You'd have to be sick to look at THAT man and want to fuck him unironically. Aglaia: **uncontrollable coughing, wheezing, and gagging** Aphrodite: **grabs Hephaestus** Actually-

#hephaestus #aphrodite #algaia #aphrodite x hephaestus #algaia x hephaestus #aphrodite only wants him when others do #greek mythology #incorrect greek god quotes #incorrect greek mythology #shitpost

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rhaenyratheecruel · 1 year

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Hephaestus, god of metalworking, the son of Hera, and Aphrodite, goddess of love, the daughter of Zeus, were married. Together, they were the parents of Eros, the god of love and sex.

Sansa Stark as Aphrodite and Tyrion Lannister as Hephaestus

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natiesims · 1 year

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“Softer than a little wild bird's wing ; Are kisses that she pours upon my mouth.”

Aphrodite & Ares & Hephaestus theme by: @samssims Gorgeous room by @nexility-sims Poses @madebycoffee

#ts4 edit #simblr #mythos march #the sims 4 #aphrodite x ares #aphrodite x hephaestus

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mysticaldeanvoidhorse · 7 months

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Forged in Love

Hephaestus x Aphrodite!reader

Page break credits @firefly-graphics

Master list

Part 8

taglist: @streets-in-paradise @floraroselaughter

taglist open :)

The time had arrived to meet Hephaestus and you were nervous yet excited on what to expect. You hoped the same spark from your first meeting would be there, as your conversation came so naturally. However, at the party there was no pressure, here there was. You tried to put that part out of your mind, trying to focus on the fact that this was just another chance to get to know him better. You arrived at the base of his home, which rested on top of a hill. The staircase was elaborate, mechanical railings and stairs leading up the steep hill. However, the stairs never felt like climbing, due to the nature of the forgery. You couldn’t help but smile at the beautiful craftsmanship. You were looking forward to seeing more of his work.

Once at the top, there was a gate just as elaborate as the stairs. To the side, what mimicked a security guard booth, the window opened. Inside was a cyclops. You knew they worked in a volcano, but you had never seen one up close. They were kept away from the other gods for many reasons, mainly for aesthetic and seeming lesser than.

“Hello” You said sweetly. Your charm is always present.

“What is your business?” It responded in a nail-on-chalkboard voice. You didn’t show you cringed.

“I am here to see Hephaestus.” You responded with a smile.

“No one visits him.” It growled. For a moment you wondered if you had the right time.

“My name is Aphrodite, I believe he is expecting me.” Your charm must have an effect as the creature appeared to soften, if that was possible.

“Highly unusual.” You thought you heard him say.

“I am happy to wait, if you want to make sure.” You tried to charm speak to see if he would open the gate. He closed the window and after a few moments he opened the gate, appearing on the other side.

“Thank you, what is your name?” You asked, walking through the gate. You weren’t sure they had names but they made you curious as you had never met one before.

“Arges. Follow me.” You didn’t know if he was always this gruff, or if he was softening to you. You pretended he liked you. You followed him up a ways, entering big ornate metal doors. Inside wasn’t very elaborate, but still impressive. Clearly Hephaestus didn’t spend too much time in this part of the house as there was hardly anything worth mentioning. Immediately what came to mind was how to make it beautiful, but you focused on the walk, and tried to put it from your mind. Occupational hazard.

“Master is in the forgery.” Arges said, leading you down what seemed like another endless staircase. It had the feel of a dark, dank tower. It got immediately warmer, and you were soon hot. You tried to ignore it, recalling the forgery was in the heart of a volcano. Eventually you reached the bottom, and another door.

“Wait here.” He said, going through the door. A few moments later Arges reappeared. “Follow me.” Not one for conversation you noted. But somehow he didn’t repel you like the gods said, in fact you found it endearing.

You walked through a few different craft rooms until you got to what felt like the hottest part. There was what seemed like a huge oven, and you saw the back of the shirtless god. Your breath hitched but you caught yourself. Even though his back was scarred, and you could see his chiseled physique, you could tell not every bone had healed right. You couldn’t help but recall the stories of his childhood, yet he was more beautiful than you remembered and you were surprised how lovely he was, for not being a god of anything remotely beautiful and remembering his sad story; at least what you knew of it which was mostly gossip. He kept working in the loud, hissing room, and you decided to make yourself known.

“Hello Hephaestus.” You thought that was a safe start. He stopped, grabbed a rag to wipe his hands, and turned around. His dark, piercing eyes bore into you and his dark hair tried to cover them, but luckily was not successful.

“Hello Aphrodite.” He continued to wipe his hands and stare. You didn’t let yourself break eye contact, and maintained your composure. After a moment, “You’ll have to excuse me, my work is never done.” You smiled.

“I understand, you must be very busy, so I am even more thankful that you would allow me to take some of your time today.” You were thankful for your gift of charm, as you wanted to make a good impression.

“Yes I am.” Was all he said, walking toward you.

“I am impressed by the size of your forgery.” You tried to make conversation. He smirked.

“This is only my tinkering room, I have much bigger rooms for different needs.”

“Are they all this hot?” You tried to tease, hoping you weren’t sweating.

“Probably hotter, we are not in the heart of the volcano, far from actually. But we can leave as I am sure you are not accustomed to such weather.” He made to a different door, there seemed to be many doors in many rooms, and you were sure you were lost.

“No I am not, but I am fascinated so maybe I could have a tour, after a cold drink.” You smiled. You swore you saw the corner of his mouth turn. You knew that you would keep trying to make him smile.

“This way,” he said, opening a door for you to enter. As you passed, you noticed he smelled of smoke and mint. An interesting combination but one you knew you immediately liked. You might be in over your head already.

He had led you to a balcony, where a different cyclops had set down ice cold drinks.

“I figured this would be best.” He said, handing you a glass. You gratefully took it.

“Thank you, how thoughtful.” You took a sip. “Do you get so hot, or are you accustomed to the volcano?”

“I suppose I am used to it now, I hardly notice as I am so focused on my work.” He put a shirt on, and you couldn’t help but be disappointed. Interesting.

“I suppose that makes sense, since you have been working there for ages.” And you meant ages, close to eons. “Do you enjoy it?” You ventured, knowing he was put there more for the sake of appearances rather than by choice.

“I enjoy my work.” He took a sip from his glass.

“You keep interesting company.” You mused.

“You mean the cyclops?”

“I have never met them before today.”

“And what do you think?” He stared at you, clearly interested in your answer.

“Honestly, they are not at all as the gossip portrays them. But I suppose that just shows how unreliable gossip is. I enjoyed Arges. He is gruff, but I kind of enjoyed the candor and unassuming way.”

“I enjoy not having to put on airs or feeling the need to fill silence.” He responded honestly. “I am glad you feel that way, most on Olympus would not.” he seemed pleased by your answer. You were glad to be learning how to read his subtle allowances of emotion.

“Unfortunately that is true.” You turned to look out from the balcony for the first time, unaware of him staring. He made to stand closer, still respecting personal space as you walked to the edge of the rail.

“Did you design the entire house?” You asked.

“I did.”

“It is all so lovely, it somehow feels just like you.” You mused.

“And you can tell it is me, how?” He seemed amused.

“Oh, well, I don’t know how to explain it but it seems unassuming, complicated, but not at all fake. Sturdy, without being over the top, reliable, but with character.”

“You seem to have put a lot of thought into that.” You turned to look at him.

“I suppose, but anything with beauty or charm, I have to think about, so I suppose I did put thought into your home.” You tried to save yourself, as it could be taken in a way that made you seem to have thought about him more than you should let on. You tried to change the subject.

“It seems we must always meet on a balcony.” He turned to look out.

“I figured it was a good place, the first meeting went well in that setting.” You smiled, happy to know he thought fondly of your first encounter.

“Speaking of, I am thankful you agreed to meet today.” You figured it was a good time to clear the air. It would have to be talked about sooner or later.

“I was surprised when Hera brought it to my attention.” You noticed he didn’t refer to her as his mother but decided to not comment on it.

“They want me to marry someone, and soon. I have only recently been told myself.” You figured being honest was the best course of action.

“I heard you and Ares were together, or would be soon.”

“Don’t believe everything you hear.” You referenced his words from that first night.

“I suppose you are right.”

“I thought I would be forced to marry Ares. I didn’t even know you were on your mother’s list of eligibility.” He bristled at the mention of mother.

“I am not. But she told me of your predicament.” He stopped.

“And having been told of it?” You softly pressed.

“I don’t know, I just figured getting to know each other wouldn’t be the worst thing.” He half smiled at you. This caused you to laugh a little.

“I am glad I am not completely repulsive to you.”

“Not at all.”

“I have to say that is a little surprising, Hephaestus. After all, you hardly entertain anyone, much less those you don’t know well.”

“I enjoy being on my own.” The way he said it didn’t have you fully convinced.

“Do you enjoy being on your own, or enjoy not having others overwhelm you? There is a difference.”

“Clever girl.” He looked at you again. “I enjoy others not looking at me and how unappealing I am.” You could tell he believed that and it hurt you.

“You are not unappealing. I think you give yourself too much credit for that.” You let out a quick breath, and turned away. “Remember I am the goddess of beauty and I also saw you shirtless.” You flirted a little.

“That was a little trick. I wanted to see your reaction.”

“You are playing games with me?” You were surprised and amused.

“If we are to know each other better, it is best to know if you can stand my presence.” He stated.

“And did I pass your little test?” You asked, taking a step closer.

“You were kind enough to not be completely repulsed, at least to my face.” He smirked.

“I think you are going to have to learn to read me better.” You mused. “For I was not repulsed, the opposite in fact. I admired your fit physique, and noticed no blemishes.”

“Then you lie, you have seen my arm, and now my back.”

“Your arm is missing, yes. But does that mean it is a blemish? You have faint scars, but does that mean they are repulsive? Does one mean the other?” His face darkened.

“Yes.” You took slow steps until you reached him, feeling like you would scare him away with quick actions. You reached out to touch his covered arm.

“Your wonderful craftsmanship has made your arm better, more functional than a real arm. That is truly a gift to accomplish such a feat. As for your scars, they are not repulsive, they are unique to you, they make you who you are. And I am enjoying getting to know the man you are.” You told him sincerely, hoping he would somehow believe that. He just kept looking into your eyes with a gaze so intense, you thought he could see to your metaphorical soul, if you had one.

“You really aren’t lying, are you?” He asked after a pause. You still hadn’t let go of your touch.

“No. And I will promise to be honest with you. I feel that I can be. You have given me no reason to think I can’t be myself.”

“I want you to be yourself, I want to get to know the goddess of beauty, beyond the front she puts on.” You could tell he meant that as well.

“I guess we both hide, just in different ways.”

“I guess so.”

“Can we agree to try not to hide from each other?” You asked him, knowing he could hear the insecurity in your voice. However, for the first time in a long time, you didn’t care that someone saw your vulnerability. You felt safe.

“I will try.” He responded honestly. He then grabbed your other arm. “But you might have to help me with that.” If you didn’t know better, you would have assumed Zeus was here, with the electricity you felt in his touch.

“Then I suppose you will have to see more of me.”

“I would be okay with that.” And you both had genuine smiles.

#aphrodite x hephaestus #Hephaestus!Bucky #hephaestus x aphrodite!reader #Hephaestus #Forged in Love #aphrodite!reader #Aphrodite #Greek Mythology #greek gods #Greek Myth Fanfic #Greek #greek fanfic #fanfic

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ivorys-back · 3 months

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New TWOF prequel incoming!

Okay, so you know how I've been infodumping a lot about Luzbel lately? Well, it's not for no reason because I'm making a new prequel that's all about him! It's called "Hymn of the Gods", and it's focused on Luzbel's growth as he struggles to fit in amongst the gods of the Skylands, all while facing the growing threat of the Underworld.

I just finished the Olympian's designs, and soon I'll be working on the Egyptians.

Let's kick things off with Zeus, the God of Thunder and the king himself! While he is a womanizer and has fathered many children with many mortal women, he still loves his wife Hera. He would split a planet in half for his children, and is very protective of his subjects, both divine and mortal.

Speaking of Hera, here she is! She's the goddess of marriage, and while she did always get mad at Zeus for cheating on her with mortal women, she just accepted that that's just how he is and she's calmed down about it. She's even friends with a lot of his spouses like Leto (Artemis and Apollo), Alcmene (Hercules), Semele (Dionysus), and many others.

Overall, she's very motherly and kind towards her children, but can also be very strict if they misbehave or are cruel to each other or other creatures.

Poseidon, the God of the Seas! Not much to say about him except that the sea reflects his mood, typical of an ocean god. On days when he's calm, the sea is calm and sailors can go by effortlessly. On days when he's pissed, the sea is tossing and turning with storms and tidal waves; he could drown a whole city if he wanted to, but he's not that ruthless. He's an excellent brother to Zeus and Hades, they make a great trio.

I've mentioned Hades a few times on this blog, and here he is in the flesh! He's the God of the Underworld, and despite him having a bad rep when it comes to underworld gods (I blame Disney for taking so many liberties with the Hercules movie; don't get me wrong, I like it, I just don't like how inaccurate it is to the real story), he's a nice guy and is always willing to listen if any of his subjects have something to say.

He loves his wife Persephone deeply, and would do anything for her. He's also became good friends with Orpheus after he died (he had to sit through at least an hour of tearful apologies of how stupid Orpheus was to look back at Eurydice), but now that Orphie and his beloved are reunited in the afterlife, all is well.

Demeter is the Goddess of the Harvest, and is easily the most strict and motherly of them all. She's very protective of her daughter Persephone, and while she had her complaints when Hades took her to the Underworld (they had been meeting in secret a few weeks prior because Persephone didn't want to be constantly controlled by Demeter all the time, and because Hades was the only one who treated her like an adult), she's alright about it now and even invites Hades over sometimes.

Hestia is the Goddess of the Hearth, and the oldest of her siblings (well, technically also the youngest since Kronos threw her up last since she was the first child he swallowed).

She's one of the more solitary gods, preferring to watch over and mingle among mortals since she enjoys their theatrics and culture.

Athena is the goddess of wisdom, and the oldest of the demigod Olympians. As we all know, she was expelled from Zeus' forehead after he swallowed his first wife Metis (who, in my AU, was expelled from him later in the same fashion), and as we know she came out full-grown and ready to kick some ass.

She's very smart and is well-read on all sorts of subjects, but she's also very smart and strategic when it comes to battle, which is where her association with war comes from.

Ares is the God of War, and exactly what you'd expect of him: brash, reckless, cruel, all that jazz. He's actually the real reason why Hephaestus is crippled the way he is.

In most stories, it's either Hera or Zeus that throws Hephaestus off of Mount Olympus after he's born, but in my AU it's Ares who pushed him when they were kids because he was jealous of how well-treated Hephaestus was compared to him (not that Ares wasn't treated well, he was just too much for his parents to handle). He was punished after this, and his ego only grew as he got older.

Hephaestus is the God of Blacksmithing, and is very calm and rational and smart. He brought the gift of machinery to man, and he made the first robots, which were made of bronze and given life so that they could move and do things all on their own.

He's very gentle as well, and despite the stories, he and his wife Aphrodite are a fabulous couple. He treats her very well and showers her with jewelry that he crafts himself, and her most prized treasure is the girdle he made for her as a wedding gift.

Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love, and that title is not lost on her. She's very sweet and gentle with everyone, and is more than willing to help out others with their relationships, whether it's romantic or not. She's deeply in love with Hephaestus, and hates Ares with a passion (the bad kind). The reason she married Hephaestus was because Zeus was afraid that the male gods would get into a fight over who would be her husband, and that someone would get hurt, so he asked her who she would like to marry and she chose Hephaestus.

As for the time when Ares got tricked and was caught up in chains, Aphrodite was sick and tired of Ares' constant advances and mistreatment toward her, so she and Hephaestus came up with a plan to trick him and expose his misdeeds to the gods. So Hephaestus created a net of chains that were so thin they were nearly invisible but were very strong, and strung them all around his and Aphrodite's bedroom, and instructed Aphrodite to wait for Ares to try and sneak in while he pretended to go on a trip. When Ares arrived, once he was within three feet of the bed he was suddenly caught and trapped in the net, and Hephaestus came back with all the other gods in tow. After that, Ares steered clear of Aphrodite and Hephaestus and just didn't even bother with them anymore.

Apollo is the god of the sun, healing, and music. He's very gentle but also kind of a wisecracker, and is one of the more laid-back gods. He runs an infirmary on Olympus, where he takes care of the injured after a battle or if there's an accident, and makes no exceptions to whoever he's healing.

Artemis is the goddess of the moon and the hunt, and is Apollo's twin sister. She's a bit of a tomboy, not even bothering with men (except her friendship with Orion), and spends a lot of time with her nymphs and dogs in the forest.

Hermes is the god of travelers, thieves, and messages. If anyone has a message to go to the other Skylands, they go to Hermes. That's partially why he's the smallest of the Olympians; his small size makes him faster, and he's mostly found hovering in the air or relaxing.

Last but not least, we have Dionysus, the god of wine and merrymaking. He's either too drunk or too sober, either way that's how you've got him. He's always one to host and go to parties and get-togethers in the Skylands (especially if there's booze, he bee-lines off to Asgard for those). He has a pet leopard, and looks after a grapevine that's grown so much it's all over the inside of his temple on Olympus now. Overall, he's a chill guy and good to hang out with.

And that's all I've got for the Olympians! I'll move on to the Egyptians, and then the Asgardians.

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