Children of Jupiter and Juno
One
of the most important of the gods was a son of Jupiter and Juno--Mars (Greek:
Ares), the god of war. He reveled in battle and slaughter.
He appeared in full armor, a long plume floating from his helmet.
Often he rode at high speed in his war chariot, drawn by four fiery steeds.
Dogs of prey and vultures accompanied him; his symbols were a spear and
a burning torch. His sons were Terror, Trembling, Panic, and Fear.
Another son of the royal gods was Vulcan, already mentioned as god of the
forge. He presided over fire in many of its manifestations, from
the smith to the volcano, but especially over fire in its practical uses.
He was himself a skilled workman and the patron of artisans; all the palaces
on Mount Olympus were his handiwork. The workshop of Vulcan was usually
on some volcanic island--Etna, for example; and when the volcano was in
eruption, the people near by would say in awe that Vulcan was at work.
One legend related that he attempted once to interfere in a quarrel between
Jupiter and Juno, and that the former in wrath hurled him from the heaven.
All day he fell, and at sunset he finally landed on the island of Lemnos.
Ever after he was lame. He was represented as a vigorous, bearded
man, holding a hammer or some other tool. He wore an oval cap, and
his right shoulder and arm were uncovered.
Another child of Jupiter and Juno was Hebe, goddess of youth and cupbearer
to the other gods. In later ages she was married to the great hero
Hercules, and her place as cupbearer was taken by the youth Ganymede, snatched
from the plaings of Troy by the eagle of Jove.
