Examining the Hephaestus Myth through a Disability Studies Perspective

Upon examining disability in the ancient Greek world through a disability studies lens, it becomes clear that several themes current in the way society views disability now find their roots in the ancient Greek world. As well, modern disability studies offers a more nuanced understanding of some of the ideas the ancient Greeks may have had about disability. The varied versions of the Hephaestus myth are “among the earliest writings in the Western poetic tradition related to disability,”1 so the myth is therefore a logical starting point when examining disability in the ancient Greek world and its connections to disability in the modern world. Disability studies concepts, such as kalos kagathos and the concept of the ‘norm ’ may be discussed in relation to the myth. As well, several current ideas that society holds in regard to disability that originate in the ancient Greek world may be observed in the myth, such as the ‘overcoming ’ narrative, or story of the ‘super cripple’, disability and representation in literature, the ‘Chatterley ’ syndrome and the representation of sexuality in disabled characters, and finally finding humour in disability. This paper will examine these concepts and themes using the Hephaestus myth. The Hephaestus Myth The Hephaestus myth has many slightly differing versions. Most agree, however, that Hephaestus is the son of Hera, conceived individually in response to Zeus ’ individual conception of the goddess Athena.