Hera

Definition

Hera is the Greek goddess of marriage and family, revered as the queen of the gods in ancient mythology. She is known for her jealousy and vengeful nature, particularly towards Zeus's lovers and their offspring. In the context of the Trojan War, Hera played a pivotal role, as her desire for revenge against Paris—who judged Aphrodite as the fairest—spurred her involvement in the conflict between the Greeks and Trojans.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hera is often depicted as a regal woman, wearing a crown and holding a scepter, symbolizing her status as queen of the gods.
2. Her animosity towards Paris stemmed from his judgment in favor of Aphrodite during the beauty contest, which led her to support the Greek side in the Trojan War.
3. Hera's interventions during the Trojan War included providing aid and encouragement to Greek heroes like Achilles and Odysseus.
4. She is frequently portrayed as vengeful against those who wrong her, often taking out her anger on Zeus's illegitimate children or their mothers.
5. The Greek worship of Hera involved various festivals, such as the Heraea, which celebrated her connection to marriage and women.

Review Questions

• How did Hera's actions influence the events of the Trojan War?
  • Hera's actions significantly influenced the course of the Trojan War by aligning herself with the Greeks after being insulted by Paris. Her desire for revenge motivated her to intervene on behalf of Greek heroes like Achilles. This not only altered the fate of individual warriors but also contributed to the overall outcome of the war, showcasing how divine favoritism impacted human affairs.
• Discuss Hera's relationship with Zeus and how it reflects her character in relation to other gods during the Trojan War.
  • Hera's relationship with Zeus is complex; she is both his wife and rival due to his numerous infidelities. This dynamic illustrates her vengeful nature, as she often seeks to punish Zeus’s lovers and their offspring. During the Trojan War, this rivalry shaped her alliances, as she frequently opposed Aphrodite and aligned with other gods to support the Greeks, showcasing her willingness to manipulate divine relationships for her own ends.
• Evaluate Hera's role in representing themes of jealousy and power dynamics among the gods in Greek mythology as seen in the context of the Trojan War.
  • Hera's role in Greek mythology epitomizes themes of jealousy and power struggles among deities. Her response to Paris's slight not only ignites conflict but also highlights how personal grievances can have monumental consequences in human affairs. By actively participating in the war, Hera exemplifies how power dynamics among gods influence mortal destinies, emphasizing that divine relationships are rife with rivalry and ambition that extend beyond mere human concerns.

Related terms

Zeus: The king of the gods in Greek mythology, often associated with thunder and lightning, who is married to Hera.

Aphrodite: The Greek goddess of love and beauty, whose contest with Hera and Athena led to the judgment of Paris and ultimately to the Trojan War.

The Iliad: An epic poem attributed to Homer that narrates significant events of the Trojan War, including the roles of various gods and goddesses like Hera.