Hephaestus, Wizard of Technology

In the following passage from Homer’s great epic poem, the Iliad, a goddess visits Hephaestus at his home and workshop (tr. Lattimore, revised):

She found him sweating as he turned here and there at his bellows
busily, since he was working on twenty tripods
which were to stand against the wall of his strong-built home.
And he had set golden wheels underneath the base of each one
so that, by their own motion, they could wheel into the immortal
gathering, and return to his house—a wonder to look at...
He set the bellows away from the fire, and gathered and put away
all the tools with which he worked in a silver strongbox.
Then with a sponge he wiped his forehead clean, and both hands,
and his massive neck and hairy chest, and put on a tunic,
and took up a heavy stick in his hand, and went to the doorway
limping. And in support of their master moved his attendants.
These are golden, and in appearance like living young women.
There is intelligence in their hearts, and there is speech in them
and strength, and they have learned what to do from the immortal gods...
 
 

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