Hephaestus Silent Discussion Questions (To be put up on paper and then use post-its to stick to the wall)

DIRECTIONS: Create your own opinion/fact/idea, write it on a post-it note, write your name on the back, and stick it on the wall. Once something has been said, you cannot say it! Nor can you simply write “I agree”. If you find yourself stumped, but agree with what someone is saying, write a response to their response that includes WHY you agree, and what from the text makes you feel that way. These are all questions to get you going, do not feel like you need to answer every question, but you do need to answer at least one question thoroughly.

1. “When the baby was born, he was not only ugly, but deformed as well. Hera felt no love for him. She did not even wait for her husband to see his son; she hurled him off Olympus.”

The text states that Hera had awaited her first child’s birth with joy. Reflect on why once she saw what he looked like she wouldn’t love him, using what you know about Greek Mythology. How does this relate to other outside examples you can think of?

2. In many Greek myths of Hephaestus, the blacksmith God is asked back into Mt. Olympus, but he declines. Why do you think he chooses to stay alone? Is it a choice? Or is it a learned mentality that he does not belong? Using the text, try to understand Hephaestus’ choice. Do you agree with his decision? Why or why not?

3. The loner/outcast archetype is separated (or separates himself) from society due to something that makes him different (physically or mentally). How does Hephaestus fit into the loner/outcast archetype? What makes the loner different from the outcast?

4. Compare and contrast the ideas of the Greek gods to modern American culture. Do you think Americans treat things that are not considered beautiful similar to how the Greek gods did? Why do people who are not considered beautiful have to prove themselves first before they are considered worthy? What specific examples can you think of?

5. Hephaestus was very skilled in blacksmith trades. This skill allowed him to be considered a part of the Mt. Olympus world (though he chose not to be involved). What are some examples you can think of where skill overcomes appearance? Where ugliness overcomes beauty?