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The Mindset of a Crippled Smith // Haley Riddle

      As we have seen in the Iliad, characters have been designated interesting descriptive titles. For example, Hera is known as "ox-eyed," whatever that means. Most of the titles have been positive - things the characters might take pride in (again, this does not apply to "ox-eyed" because I'm not really sure if that's positive or not). However, in book 18, Hephaestus is dubbed "the crippled Smith." This may sound silly, but I can relate to this title in a sense. I had to use crutches five times - months at a time - from age eleven to fifteen for knee injuries and surgeries. I know that does not make me "crippled," and many people are much worse off than I am, but, I was quickly given the label of "cripple" in middle and high school. I will tell you right now, that is not a quality to take pride in. I cannot imagine how it would feel if others talked about me or introduced me as "the crippled girl." Hephaestus does not seem to mind it, though.

    I admire Hephaestus' attitude. You would think that because he is crippled he might have a grim outlook on life. Instead, he seems to cherish and appreciate life more than any other character in The Iliad. I believe this is because his life was saved by Thetis. He came close to death but was saved. Though he carries the scars of his fall, they remind him that life is a gift. Hephaestus is a good reminder not to take your life for granted, because as Proverbs 27:1 says, "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." 

      So, may we all think like Hephaestus. Remember that life is a gift and you are blessed to be here, no matter the circumstances. 

Comments

  1. ClaboAugust 31, 2020 at 2:46 PM

    I think you are very right in the fact that Hephaestus does not let his name limit him. After all, he is one of the main people in which the gods and mortals turn to when in need of powerful weapons, amazing armor, and just extravagant crafts in general. Personally, blacksmiths and forgers like Hephaestus have always been my favorite in any mythology.

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  2. Braylan StringfellowAugust 31, 2020 at 3:08 PM

    I agree with you about Hephaestus not letting a title that someone put on him limit him. I have a neck injury and my friends call me crippled (I'm not really sure why because I am not crippled in any way), but I don't let that ruin my friendship with them.

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  3. IsabelleAugust 31, 2020 at 3:36 PM

    I agree with your view on Hephaestus' attitude. For someone with such a grueling job and hateful companions, he really seems to enjoy his life. Also, I looked up "ox-eyed," because I was also curious. Just as Helen is described as "white-armed," it could just be a feature. Oxen have large, brown eyes. They are actually very beautiful! -Isabelle Ferguson

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  4. Rachael GregsonAugust 31, 2020 at 7:51 PM

    I really enjoyed this point of view. Most people don't really pay enough attention to minor characters, including me, and miss out on a lot of important side notes and factors. From the crippled smith, we learn that we don't have to let our circumstances define us. It's the small things like this that make literature interesting, and not so much Achilles and Hector sized.

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  5. Haley RiddleSeptember 1, 2020 at 5:47 PM

    I can't figure out how to edit mine... sorry. I commented on Caroline's post and Jackson's post.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jessef LeslieSeptember 1, 2020 at 11:02 PM

    Hera was called ox-eyed and related to a cow to compare to Zeus's bull like lust. (found that through some research on the topic) Also Hephaestus wasn't perfect, It doesn't show this in the ILIAD but as revenge he actually trapped Hera and locked her up, then refused to free her till he was forced to do so. He bears the same emotions, anger, passion, lust as other gods do. He still is a very admirable character making the best of his top deck when dealt a bad hand.

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