What are the names of the Greek and Roman gods of fire, volcanoes, deserts and metalworking?

Vulcan is the Roman mythological god of fire, volcanoes, deserts and metalworking in the ancient Roman religion and myth. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Hephaestus, the god of fire and smithery. Both are often depicted in graphics and various art forms with a blacksmith’s hammer.

While the origin of the name Vulcan is unclear Roman tradition maintained that the name is related to Latin words connected to lightening, which in turn was thought of as related to flames. There are also alternative theories to the etymology of the word.

Regardless, the festival of Vulcan called Vulcanalia, was traditionally celebrated on August 23rd each year when the summer heat placed crops and granaries most at risk of burning. During the festival bonfires were created in honor of the god, with Iive fish and small animals tossed into the bonfire as a sacrifice to be consumed in the place of human sacrifice.

Hephaestus, the Greek god, was the son of Zeus and Hera who made all the weapons of the gods in Olympus. He served as the blacksmith of the gods and was worshipped in the manufacturing and industrial centers of Greece, particularly Athens, His symbols also include a smith’s hammer, anvil, and a pair of tongs.