Hephaestus

Here is an essay I wrote when I was in 4th year high school. The question was simple, "who is your favorite Greek god and why?" There is actually a longer version of this, but I forgot to save it (stupid me)

Hephaestus is my favorite Greek god not because of his works, but because he is the god of fire, bringing out the best in us. Fire is a double-edged sword; it is naturally destructive, but when controlled, becomes a very important part of our lives. From it, we crafted more deadly weapons: cannons, bazookas, and nuclear bombs. But from the same energy came about plastic, fuel, and even medicine. Bright and powerful, it cannot go unnoticed. Yet Hephaestus, the god of fire, volunteers to remain concealed in his workshop; the irony of the master smith. This only shows that Hephaestus has fully taken control of fire, and can use the full extent of its power to bring forth wonderful and marvelous works.

Furthermore, unlike other gods, Hephaestus works a lot and does not spend his time looking for women and flirting with them. Being a craftsman, he is patient, creative, and industrious. Ever since he was born, he was ugly and rejected. He got thrown out of Olympus, spurned by his wife, and was laughed at when he demanded justice. Yet, he was quiet and reserved, and is even a peace-maker between his parents who were the first to reject him. He redirected these emotions to his handiwork, melting the cold metal of revenge with the flames of his passion, molding them with his ingenious hands, and then finally quenching them in the cold water of his peacefulness to produce the most extraordinary and most beautiful creations of all. Like him, I also want to be a man of great tolerance, and someone who can bring out the best in others even in challenging times.