The central theme of STARZ’s American Gods revolves around the clash between the Old Gods, whose influence wanes as their followers diminish, and the ascendant New Gods that embody contemporary values and technology. One intriguing representation of this conflict is Vulcan, the Roman god traditionally associated with fire and metalworking, who cleverly evolves in response to American culture by transforming his divinity from overseeing fire to presiding over firearms.
In the episode titled “A Murder of Gods,” Vulcan emerges as the proprietor of Vulcan Munitions, a factory dedicated to producing firearms. His following is sustained through a form of human sacrifice—specifically, not only the fatal accidents occurring within the factory (where cutting costs on safety measures leads to casualties), but also the violence resulting in fatalities every time a gun is fired. The narrative addresses dual themes ingrained in American culture: on one hand, the relentless drive for productivity and profit that often comes at a tremendous human cost; on the other, the glorification of gun culture climaxing in mass shootings, which Vulcan identifies as his “prayers,” reinforcing the cyclical nature of fear and reliance on weapons for security.
While the episode employs human sacrifice as a springboard for critique, it is notable that traditionally, the Romans viewed human sacrifice with disdain, labeling cultures that practiced it—such as the Celts and Carthaginians—as barbaric. Moreover, accusations of human sacrifice were often leveled against early Christians by Roman pagans to undermine their growing influence. Although the use of this concept effectively aligns with American Gods‘s critique of societal norms, its association with a Roman deity raises interesting questions about historical accuracy.
It’s worth noting, however, that the Romans did have instances of human sacrifice, albeit rarely and under specific circumstances, often in response to unusual omens as dictated by the Sibylline Books. Over time, Romans generally replaced human victims with other forms of waste, such as live fish in sacred rites intended to appease Vulcan’s destructive tendencies—his domain encompassed not just creation but also the potential for chaos. Additionally, the amusement found in gladiatorial combat serves as a crucial part of Roman identity, linking the celebration of violence to broader societal values—a connection that resonates with today’s American sports culture.
In American Gods, the narrative suggests that belief can shape reality, and therefore, if the belief exists that Vulcan once required human sacrifice, that notion becomes a truth within the show’s framework. If the evolution of a god’s role is fluid, Vulcan may also revert to the archaic practice of human sacrifice to gain favor from modern worshippers.
Transitioning from the notion of sacrifice, it’s pertinent to assess how Vulcan’s modern identity aligns with traditional representations in mythology. By the sixth century B.C., the Romans integrated Vulcan as their counterpart to Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire and craftsmanship, which aligns well with his newfound industrial role within the narrative. Historically, Vulcan was primarily viewed as a violent god of destructive fire, thus his worship involved attempts to placate his wrath rather than glorify his abilities in craftsmanship.
Yet, in the context of American Gods, Vulcan’s character emphasizes the duality within fire itself—as a tool for innovation capable of fostering civilization, and as a potential harbinger of destruction. While Vulcan historically crafted weapons as artful expressions of skill, the contemporary portrayal in the series emphasizes his association with death and violence, stripping away the nuance of artistry connected to weapon-making.
The episodes also explore weaponry in a broader sense. In Homer’s Iliad, for instance, Hephaestus is called upon to forge armor for Achilles, symbolizing his unique relationship with crafts and the duality of life and death inherent within conflict. Similarly, in Virgil’s Aeneid, Vulcan creates an emblematic shield representing Rome’s destiny of peace through the demonstration of military power. These mythological roots illustrate Vulcan’s role as a skilled artisan whose creations embody deeper meanings, contrasting starkly with the modern gun’s associations with loss and violence.
Despite the artistic legacy of weaponry throughout history—such as the masterfully crafted Japanese katana or the intricate designs of Bronze Age swords—modern firearms are frequently viewed through a lens of discomfort, as they are linked to societal issues surrounding gun violence. The intricate beauty of historical arms, in comparison, often elicits admiration for the skill involved in their making, differing vastly from contemporary perceptions of guns as instruments of destruction.
Overall, the narrative of American Gods positions Vulcan within the context of American gun culture, aligning his mythological lineage with modern societal themes of violence, control, and the ethical dilemmas related to technological advancement. This contrast highlights the dynamic nature of both Vulcan’s character and the ideologies associated with him, ultimately serving to critique complex contemporary issues surrounding production, security, and societal values.
