Quick disclaimer this week, we're in Greek Myth and we talk about the beginning of Zeus and Heros story, so Zeus is Zeus.

And also, other characters imitate him.

We never get too explicit, but please check out the post on mythpodcast.com linked in the show notes.

This week, on myths and legends, we're back in Greek mythology with the story of Hephaestus, the Olympian Smith.

We'll see how you should not, surprise, prize, hang out with the worst beings in the universe, and that you can't engineer your way out of sad feelings.

The creature this week is that bunny from Monty Python if it lived in the sea, and was venomous, and was also somehow more bloodthirsty.

This is Myths and Legends episode 318, Sad Lad.

This is a podcast where we tell stories from mythology and folklore.

Some are incredibly popular stories you might think you know, but with surprising origins.

Others are stories that might be new to you, but are definitely worth a listen.

We're doing this thing where, each month, we tell a story of one Olympian from Greek mythology.

This time, it's Hephaestus, the sad lad Smithy who just can't catch a break.

We'll jump in pretty much immediately after last month's Hermes episode, with little baby Hermes needing a hat adjustment.

Hephaestus smiled as he watched Hermes put on his cap and sandals.

Ah, he was a good kid.

Hephaestus then looked directly at the camera.

You know, look around you here on Olympus, and you'll see so many things I've made.

Hermes' new helmet and sandals of course, but also the Aegis.

You know, every time you hear Homer say Aegis bearing Zeus, he's referring to my handiwork.

I made little cupids bow and the armor of Achilles.

Prometheus stole fire from my forge when he gave it to the humans.

You could say I'm the unsung hero of Olympus, the backbone of everything that, a Festus, Zeus yelled.

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