In Greek mythology, Hephaestus was the husband of Aphrodite despite her love affair with Ares.
Hephaestus was the Olympian god of fire, metalworking, and craft. Myths describe him as the maker of remarkable weapons, armor, and objects for the gods. Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, became his wife in traditions that give different explanations for the marriage.
The best-known story involving the couple appears in Homer's Odyssey. Hephaestus learned that Aphrodite and Ares were meeting secretly, so he forged an unbreakable net, trapped them together, and exposed them before the assembled gods.
Some ancient sources vary on whether Aphrodite was assigned to Hephaestus or chose another partner. That variation does not change the standard identification of Hephaestus as her husband in the famous adultery episode. Hephaestus is also sometimes confused with the Roman Vulcan.