Hera

Definition

Hera is the queen of the gods in Greek mythology, known as the goddess of marriage and family. As the wife of Zeus, she plays a central role in many myths and legends, often embodying the themes of fidelity, jealousy, and the struggles of motherhood. Hera's character is complex; while she represents the ideals of marriage and commitment, she is also known for her vengeful nature towards Zeus's many lovers and their offspring.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hera was often depicted with symbols such as the peacock and the cow, which represented beauty and nurturing respectively.
2. As the goddess of marriage, Hera's most famous myth involves her jealous retaliation against Zeus's infidelities, which resulted in various punishments for his lovers and their children.
3. Hera played a significant role in the Trojan War by supporting the Greeks out of spite for Paris, who chose Aphrodite over her as the fairest goddess.
4. She had several children with Zeus, including Ares (the god of war), Hebe (goddess of youth), and Eileithyia (goddess of childbirth).
5. Hera was worshipped in many cities throughout ancient Greece, but her major sanctuary was located at Argos, where annual festivals were held in her honor.

Review Questions

• How does Hera's role as the goddess of marriage influence her actions and relationships with other gods in Greek mythology?
  • Hera's role as the goddess of marriage deeply influences her actions, often leading her to take drastic measures against those who threaten her marital bond with Zeus. Her jealousy and vengefulness towards Zeus's lovers showcase her commitment to the sanctity of marriage, but also highlight her struggles with betrayal. This complex dynamic creates a narrative where Hera is both a protector of marriage and a figure driven by revenge, illustrating the complexities of relationships among the Olympian gods.
• In what ways do Hera’s symbols contribute to our understanding of her character and significance within Greek mythology?
  • Hera's symbols, such as the peacock and cow, significantly contribute to our understanding of her character. The peacock represents beauty and pride, emphasizing her status as queen among the gods, while the cow symbolizes nurturing and motherhood. Together, these symbols reflect Hera’s dual nature—her aspirations for respect and admiration alongside her roles as a mother and protector. They reinforce her significance not just as a jealous wife but also as a figure embodying the complexities of femininity in Greek mythology.
• Evaluate how Hera's relationships with other deities shape key narratives within Greek mythology, particularly during events like the Trojan War.
  • Hera's relationships with other deities play a pivotal role in shaping major narratives within Greek mythology, particularly during events like the Trojan War. Her animosity towards Paris for choosing Aphrodite as the fairest goddess reveals how personal grievances can influence larger conflicts. By siding with the Greeks during the war out of revenge for this slight against her beauty, Hera showcases how divine interactions directly impact human affairs. This evaluation illustrates how interconnected the lives of gods are with mortal destinies and highlights Hera's importance as a driving force in mythological storytelling.

Related terms

Zeus:

The king of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus, known for wielding thunderbolts and having numerous affairs with goddesses and mortal women.

Olympians: The group of twelve principal deities in Greek mythology who reside on Mount Olympus, including Hera, Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena.

Argos: A city in ancient Greece that was particularly associated with Hera, who was worshipped there as its protector and patron goddess.