Pele vs Vulcan

Pele

Polynesian Pantheon

The Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, fire, and lightning. Pele is a fierce and passionate deity who creates new land through volcanic eruptions and whose temper is as volatile as the lava she commands.

Pele was born in Kahiki (Tahiti) to Haumea and Ku-waha-ilo. Her fiery nature and affairs angered her sister Namaka, the sea goddess, who drove her from her homeland. Pele traveled across the Pacific, seeking a home for her fires, finally settling in Kilauea volcano on Hawaii, where she remains the living goddess of volcanic creation.

Pele is the most revered deity in Hawaiian mythology, an akua (goddess) whose power is visible in every eruption of Kilauea. She embodies both creation and destruction, as her lava destroys what exists while simultaneously creating new land. She represents the untameable forces of nature and the passionate spirit of Hawaii itself.

Vulcan

Roman Pantheon

God of fire, metalworking, and the forge. Craftsman of the gods who forged divine weapons and armor. Roman equivalent of Hephaestus. Associated with volcanic activity.

Vulcan is fire that cooks and fire that burns a street down. As a smith he overlaps Hephaestus: forges, divine weapons, the lame craftsman. As **Volcanus** he is also the dangerous blaze inside a wooden city. The **Vulcanalia** on August 23 included bonfires and offerings meant to keep accidental fire in its place at the driest time of year.