The Myths of Hera

Hera Illustration

Hera, the Queen of the Gods

Hera is the queen of the gods in Greek mythology, the wife and sister of Zeus. She is known as the goddess of marriage and family, often represented as a regal and matronly figure wearing a crown or veil.

Myths and Legends

Hera's marriage to Zeus was rocky, as Zeus was notorious for his numerous affairs. Despite this, Hera remains a prominent figure in many myths, often intervening in ways that portrayed her as both a protector and a jealous antagonist.

One of her most famous myths involves the hero Hercules, whom Hera pursued with relentless animosity because he was the son of Zeus and a mortal woman.

Symbols and Worship

Hera's symbols include the peacock, the cow, and the pomegranate. She was venerated throughout ancient Greece, with several monumental temples dedicated to her, the most famous being the Heraion of Samos.