Hephaestus's Role In Achilles

When she realizes her son is in need of her help, Thetis does everything she can to provide Achilles with what he needs. In this instance, it includes traveling to Hephaestus to have custom armour made. Thetis comments, “I am on my way to Olympus heights, to the famous Smith Hephaestus- I pray he’ll give my son some fabulous armor full of the god’s great fire!” (P. 472) As a loving mother, Thetis wants only what is best for Achilles; however, helping her son is also a consolation prize for showing what power she has as a goddess to get the other gods to do her favors. By demonstrating her power, Thetis attempts to further the her glory. Hephaestus’ glory is also added to because to be chosen to deliver such important armor is an honor. Overall, this transaction benefits the gods more than anyone else. In addition, although the armor is “full of the god’s great fire”, it does not change Achilles’ fate. Thetis is aware that sending Achilles into …show more content…
472) The use of the verb “win” establishes that the responsibilities of the gods become competition based. Thetis, among other gods and goddesses, attempt to “win” the favors and influence of as many other gods as possible. Anything that positively affects them from these favors is a bonus. Additionally, when the set of arms are described as “immortal”, it would appear that Thetis desires for the armor to provide Achilles with immortal life; however, she wants Achilles’ mortal death to amplify the attention that the immortal shield receives. Again, Thetis understands that her son is fated to die, so in preparation of this tragic event, she determines how the gods can most benefit. The gods who create the shield are immortal, not the owner, and therefore the shield, and any other gift that a god presents to a mortal for that matter, will outlive its mortal