In Greek mythology, Hephaestus forged Achilles’ replacement armor during the Trojan War.
Achilles’ original armor was taken by Hector after Hector killed Patroclus. Patroclus had worn Achilles’ armor into battle, hoping its appearance would frighten the Trojans. After Patroclus died, Achilles returned to combat but had no armor of his own.
Achilles’ mother, the sea goddess Thetis, appealed to Hephaestus for help. The divine smith made a new suit of armor, including a famous shield decorated with scenes representing the cosmos and human life. Homer gives the shield an unusually detailed description in the Iliad.
Hephaestus was the Olympian god associated with metalworking, fire, smiths, and craftsmanship. In some traditions he was lame, a feature that contrasts with the extraordinary power and beauty of the weapons he created.