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HERA Hera is Zeus’ wife and sister. She was raised by
the Titans Ocean and Tethys. She is the
protector of marriage and takes special care of
married women.
Hera’s marriage was founded in strife with Zeus
and continued in strife. Zeus courted her
unsuccessfully. He then turned to trickery,
changing himself into disheveled cuckoo. Hera
feeling sorry for the bird held it to her breast
to warm it. Zeus then resumed his normal form
and taking advantage of the surprise he gained,
raped her. She then married him to cover her
shame.
Once Zeus was being particularly overbearing to
the other gods, Hera convinced them to join in a
revolt. Her part in the revolt was to drug Zeus,
and in this she was successful. The gods then
bound the sleeping Zeus to a couch taking care
to tie many knots. This done they began to
quarrel over the next step. Briareus overheard
the arguments. Still full of gratitude to Zeus,
Briareus slipped in and was able to quickly
untie the many knots. Zeus sprang from the couch
and grabbed his thunderbolt. The gods fell to
their knees begging and pleading for mercy. He
seized Hera and hung heer from the sky with gold
chains. She wept in pain all night but, none of
the others dared to interfere. Her weeping kept
Zeus up and he agreed to release her if she
would swear never to rebel again. She had little
choice but to agree. While she never again
rebelled, she often intrigued against Zeus’
plans and she was often able to outwit him.
Most stories concerning Hera have to do with her
jealous revenge for Zeus’ infidelities. Her
sacred animals are the cow and the peacock. Her
favourite city is Argos.
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