Hephaestus is the head of the Hephaestus Familia, renowned for producing the finest weapons and armor in Orario. As the Goddess of Smithing, she holds incredible power and expertise in crafting. 

Despite her divine status, Hephaestus is known for her strict, hardworking nature, always pushing herself and her Familia to maintain their reputation as the best smiths in the city. Though she carries a serene and composed demeanor, Hephaestus struggles with insecurities stemming from a defect in her right eye, which she hides beneath an eyepatch. Only a few, like Hestia and Welf Crozzo, know the full extent of her vulnerability.

Personality & Appearance

Credits: Studio J.C.Staff

Hephaestus has striking red hair that falls to her neck and matching red eyes, with her right eye concealed behind an eyepatch due to a severe defect. Her sharp features and slender body give her a formidable presence. Though she exudes confidence and authority as the leader of her Familia, Hephaestus hides her softer side. She has a complex about her appearance, considering herself unattractive and unworthy of love. However, her reserved demeanor fades when it comes to romance, as she showed a vulnerable and emotional reaction to Welf Crozzo’s confession.

Despite her personal struggles, Hephaestus is highly respected by her followers. She values the quality of her Familia’s craftsmanship above all else, refusing to create subpar weapons, which could tarnish their prestigious reputation. Her devotion to her craft and the well-being of her Familia members reflects her deep sense of responsibility as a leader.

Powers & Abilities

Credits: Studio J.C.Staff

As a Goddess of Smithing, Hephaestus is unmatched in her abilities to forge powerful, magical weapons and tools.

• Master Smith: Hephaestus is a master blacksmith, capable of creating divine-level weapons. She famously forged the Hestia Knife, a living weapon imbued with Hestia’s falna, without using her full divine powers (arcanum).
• Divine Craftsmanship: Her smithing skills are unparalleled, and every weapon or tool crafted by her carries immense power and durability, making them highly sought after by adventurers and gods alike.

Trivia

• Hephaestus is named after the Greek god of smithing and fire, Hephaistos.
• In contrast to her Greek counterpart, who was portrayed as crippled and deformed, Hephaestus in DanMachi only has a defect in her right eye, which she hides with an eyepatch.
• In the anime adaptation, her name is sometimes spelled as "Hephaistos."
• She is one of the few gods who refrains from using her full divine powers, relying solely on her smithing abilities to create legendary weapons.