Hera Supreme goddess of marriage and childbirth By

Hera { Supreme goddess of marriage and childbirth By Lydia and Liz

Parentage and marriage Zeus’ wife and one of his three sisters Her parents were Rhea and Cronus Raised by two titans, Ocean and Tethys She and Zeus had an unhappy marriage, founded in strife, and it was conflicted throughout

Children Ares –God of War Eris- Goddess of strife Hebe – Goddess of youth Ilithyia – Goddess of childbirth and labour pains Hephaestus – God of fire, metalworking, stonemasonry and the art of sculpture. Ares and Hephaestus were not sons of Zeus.

Interesting fact – How Zeus and Hera’s relationship began. Zeus courted his sister, but was unsuccessful. He turned to trickery in order to possess her. Zeus changed himself into a hurt cuckoo, and appeared near Hera, feeling sympathy for the bird, held it against her breast to warm it. Zeus took advantage of this situation, changing back to his normal form and raping Hera then married Zeus to cover her shame from this incident.

Hera rebelling against her husband, Zeus Once when the gods were displeased with Zeus, Hera convinced them to revolt. She drugged Zeus, successfully, and then the other gods bound Zeus to a couch. However a grateful Briareus untied Zeus and the supreme God took up his thunderbolt. The gods fell to their knees, begging for mercy. Zeus hung Hera from the sky with gold chains, and she wept in pain throughout the night. This kept Zeus awake, and the next morning he agreed to release her if she swore never to rebel again. Hera had little choice but to agree, but without breaking this promise she often schemed against Zeus’ plans and outwitted him.

Hera’s Characteristics Hera was very powerful and successful, her cleverness helped her to manipulate people. She was said to be very brave, and able to stand up against Zeus. Jealously is also a trait of Hera’s, it is told that she hated the women that Zeus had. A very attractive women, pale and lovely, and because of this she was vain. Hera was angry when Paris thought of Aphrodite as the most beautiful goddess.

Quotes from Book 1 of the ‘Iliad’ Hera often insults Zeus, and speaks her mind - ‘you arch–deceiver’ - ‘ Dread son of Cronus’ - ‘How like you it is to wait till my back is turned and then cook up some secret schemes. However she does fear Zeus’ wrath - ‘ox-eyed lady Hera was afraid’ - ‘ [Zeus] Olympus will be no help in keeping me off when I lay my unconquerable hands on you. ’