The son of Jupiter and Juno, husband of Maia (goddess of spring warmth (and sexual heat heh heh) and Venus (goddess of love-hmmm trend here?), god of fire (especially destructive fires like volcanic eruptions and forest fires), forge, volcanoes, blacksmiths, and craftsmen. Most often associated with the Greek god Hephaestus. His principal cult was located outside of Ostia. Indeed, all temples to this deity were located outside of the towns because of his association with fire and its destructive capability. Originally of Latin, possibly Etruscan, origin, no stories survive from this incarnation. All the extant mythology regarding Vulcan was taken directly from the Greek Hephaestus. His forge is located beneath Mt. Etna on Sicily. It is there, together with his assistants the Cyclops, that he created the armor and weapons of the gods, along with Jupiter's thunderbolts. Vulcan was, of all the gods, the only one who was physically imperfect. According to all tradition he was extremely ugly, as well as lame. His limp was caused when Jupiter cast him from the heights of Olympus for taking his mother's side in an argument. His holy days were the Tubilustrium on May 23rd and the Volcanalia on August 23rd. His symbol was the hammer. However, of all the gods, Vulcan seemed to have the best temperament as he was not known to give way to petty jealousies (despite Venus' infidelities - and the delicious tale of his revenge). This is all the more remarkable since he was often the object of crude and cruel jests of the other gods. A prime example is his marriage to Venus. Though supposedly a punishment for her for refusing Jupiter (randy ol' goat that he is), it was also a cruel thing to do to poor Vulcan. Especially as Venus refused to change her ways - or to let him in her bed (except, perhaps, when she felt like it).

Hope this is of some help to folks.