expeditions to the Arctic. They hoped
to be the first people to reach the
North Pole. In 1908 they set out on
one of their expeditions, though they
did not always stay together. On April
6, 1909, Henson arrived alone at what
he believed to be the North Pole. When
Peary joined him an hour later, he
refused to accept Henson’s calculation.
Peary chose a different spot and
declared it the North Pole.
When they returned home Peary
received most of the credit for the discovery.
This was partly because he was
the leader of the expedition. But it was
also because Henson was an African
American. Racial prejudice at the time
kept him from receiving credit for his
accomplishments.
Later in Henson’s life he gained some
recognition for his achievements. Henson
died in New York City on March 9,
When he explored the Arctic, Matthew
Henson had to dress warmly.
BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA Henson, Matthew 41
1955. In 1988 he was reburied in a military
ceremony at Arlington National
Cemetery. He lies there next to Admiral
Robert Peary.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a disease that damages the
liver. The liver is an organ, or body part,
that removes wastes from the blood.
Most cases of hepatitis are caused by a
particle called a virus. There are seven
different hepatitis viruses. To tell them
apart, the viruses are labeled with the
letters A through G.
The hepatitis A virus causes the most
common form of the disease. It is a
mild, short-term illness. The hepatitis B,
C, and D viruses can cause long-term
liver problems. The hepatitis E virus
usually causes a serious illness, and it can
lead to death.
Hepatitis A, E, and F are spread through
contact with infected food or water.
Hepatitis B, C, D, and G are spread
through infected blood and other bodily
fluids. People who take certain medicines
or drink too much alcohol can also
get hepatitis.
The symptoms, or signs, of hepatitis
include fever, tiredness, loss of appetite,
vomiting, and muscle aches. In severe
cases the liver damage can lead to a condition
called jaundice. Jaundice causes a
person’s eyes and skin to turn yellow.
A person with a serious case of hepatitis
may need to stay in a hospital. If the
liver fails, the person may need a liver
transplant. In this type of surgery a doctor
replaces the damaged liver with a
healthy one.
#More to explore
Disease, Human • Liver • Virus
Hephaestus
In ancient Greek mythology Hephaestus
was the god of fire. He was one of the
12 gods believed to live on Mount
Olympus. Hephaestus was also the
blacksmith and craftsman of the gods.
Volcanoes and fires were considered his
workshops. His symbols were the ax,
hammer, and tongs—tools he used in
his trade. Hephaestus was associated
with the Roman god Vulcan because
they shared many of the same characteristics.
Hephaestus was the son of Zeus, the
chief god, and Hera. According to one
A photograph shows a magnified image of
the hepatitis B virus. Color has been added
to the photograph to make the virus easier
to see.
42 Hepatitis BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA
legend Hephaestus was born disabled,
and his mother threw him into the sea
because of that. He was rescued by two
goddesses. They cared for Hephaestus
and taught him to craft jewelry out of
seashells and coral. Because of his skill,
Zeus allowed him to return to Mount
Olympus. Hephaestus made weapons,
armor, and jewelry using fire and
metals. He even made lightning for his
father.
People in ancient Rome celebrated a
festival of Hephaestus called Vulcanalia
every August. It was celebrated to
protect people from destructive fires.
During a ceremony, Roman families
threw small fish into the fire.
#More to explore
Mythology
Hera
In ancient Greek mythology Hera was
the wife of Zeus, the king of the gods.
Because of this marriage, she was queen
of the gods. Hera was also the goddess of
marriage and women’s lives. For
instance, she was thought to protect
women during childbirth. Hera was one
of the 12 chief gods believed to live on
Mount Olympus. She is associated with
the Roman goddess Juno because the
two shared many traits. The cow and
peacock were sacred to Hera.
Hera was the daughter of Cronus and
Rhea, who were Titans. The Titans
were giants who once ruled the world.
Hera’s children with Zeus included
Ares and Hephaestus. Ares was the god
of war and Hephaestus was the god of
fire.
Although the Greeks honored Hera,
most stories portray her as jealous and
In some stories
Hephaestus
was the
husband of
Aphrodite.
Hephaestus was the god of fire.
BRITANNICA STUDENT ENCYCLOPEDIA Hera 43
violent. Zeus loved many other women.
Hera was always angry about her husband’s
affairs. She punished the women
whom Zeus liked whether they were
interested in him or not. She also punished
the children Zeus had with other
women. For example, she tried to harm
the Greek hero Heracles.
#More to explore
Ares • Greece, Ancient • Mythology
• Zeus
Heracles
In ancient Greek mythology Heracles
was a hero with amazing strength and
courage. The ancient Romans called him
Hercules.
According to legend, Heracles’ father
was Zeus, the chief god. His mother was
Alcmene. Zeus’s wife was Hera. She was
