Hera is the queen of the gods, and the goddess of marriage and childbirth. She is often represented by peacocks and wedding rings.
Hera and Zeus had three children together: Ares, Eris, and Hephaestus. However, Zeus was not faithful to Hera and this angered her greatly. She once tried to plot against him by enlisting the help of other gods to drug his drink and bind him in his sleep while they stole his thunderbolt from him. Rescued by one of the giants, he wrapped Hera in golden chains until she promised not to plot against him again.
Hera’s wish for Zeus to honor his vows only to her made her an important figure who presided over Greek weddings. Her jealousy was well-known among the gods, and she often tried to make Zeus’ children miserable with her plots and tantrums. Zeus even feared her tantrums and rages, and would sneak down to earth in disguise to escape.
While Hera is not always remembered in modern day literature, she is an important figure as the mother of Zeus’ children, and the queen of the gods. Hera is well-known in Homer’s epic poem The Iliad to have a hatred for Troy, and is thought to have pressured Zeus into persuading King Agamemnon to attack. She has a special place in her heart for the Greeks, and tries to help them win against the Trojans at every opportunity.
Cronos and Rhea
Hera is the queen of the gods in Greek mythology. She is known as the wife of Zeus and the goddess of marriage, women, and family.
Hera's symbols include the peacock, diadem, and scepter. Her powers center on protecting marriage and women, and she often intervenes in myths involving families or childbirth.
Hera is important because she serves as the queen of Olympus, acting as a leader and protector of families. Her influence shapes many stories about loyalty and justice in Greek mythology.
Teachers can use Hera facts to encourage discussion about ancient beliefs, gender roles, and mythological storytelling. Lesson plans on the 12 Olympian Gods offer engaging classroom activities.
Famous myths featuring Hera include her role in the Judgment of Paris, the trials of Heracles, and her conflicts with Zeus's other wives and children.