27 Interesting Facts about Hera

Dan November 3, 2024

Hera is one of the most powerful and respected deities in Greek mythology, known as the queen of the gods and the goddess of marriage, family, and childbirth. She is the wife and sister of Zeus, the king of the gods, and is often depicted as a dignified figure embodying both strength and devotion. Hera’s symbols include the peacock, cow, and pomegranate, each representing aspects of her power, beauty, and fertility. Despite her position as a goddess of marriage, her own union with Zeus was tumultuous and marked by his many infidelities, which became a central theme in stories about Hera.

Hera is known for her fierce jealousy and vengeful nature, especially toward the lovers and children of Zeus. Her wrath was often directed not only at Zeus’s mistresses but also at their offspring, as seen in myths about figures like Heracles and Dionysus. Hera’s jealousy and pride fueled many tales in Greek mythology, where she was portrayed as a protective yet punishing figure, unwilling to tolerate disloyalty. For example, she tried to sabotage Heracles’ heroic journey by sending serpents to his crib as a baby and later imposing grueling tasks on him, such as the Twelve Labors. Despite her seemingly harsh actions, Hera’s motivations were rooted in her role as the goddess of marriage and her desire to uphold its sanctity.

Despite her reputation for vengeance, Hera also played the role of protector and counselor, particularly for women and couples. She was revered by women, especially in matters of marriage and childbirth, and was believed to have the power to bless unions and ensure healthy births. Her temples, such as the Heraion in Samos and Argos, were significant centers of worship, and she was celebrated in festivals like the Heraia, an all-female event held to honor her. As a goddess who embodied traditional values of loyalty and fidelity, Hera’s influence extended into the lives of everyday people, who looked to her for guidance and support in family matters.

Hera’s complicated relationship with Zeus reflects the often contradictory and multifaceted nature of the gods in Greek mythology. While she sometimes acted as a jealous and vengeful figure, Hera was also a divine queen, embodying authority, dignity, and a fierce commitment to justice. Her relationship with Zeus, full of betrayal and reconciliation, highlights themes of power, loyalty, and resilience, making her one of the most complex and dynamic figures in Greek mythology. In some myths, Hera even sought power on her own terms, such as when she joined other gods in a rebellion against Zeus’s rule, demonstrating her willingness to challenge even the king of the gods.

Hera’s legacy in Greek mythology is that of a powerful, multifaceted goddess who was both feared and respected. Although she was often portrayed in the shadow of Zeus’s infidelity, Hera remained a central figure of reverence, embodying the protective and sometimes fierce aspects of marriage and family life. Her influence extended beyond her role as a wife and mother, as she was revered as a symbol of feminine strength and resilience. As one of the most worshipped deities in the Greek pantheon, Hera remains an enduring figure representing loyalty, protection, and the complexities of divine and human relationships.

It’s a good idea to look at these 27 interesting facts about Hera to know more about her.

1. Queen of the Gods: Hera is the queen of the Olympian gods, as well as the goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, and family.
2. Sister and Wife of Zeus: Hera is both the sister and wife of Zeus, the king of the gods, highlighting complex familial ties common in Greek mythology.
3. Symbols of Hera: Her main symbols are the peacock (representing her beauty and pride), the cow (symbolizing motherhood), and the pomegranate (associated with fertility).
4. Etymology of Hera: Her name likely comes from the Greek word “Hērōs,” meaning “protectress,” fitting her role as a goddess who protects women and families.
5. Jealous and Vengeful: Hera is known for her jealousy and vengeful nature, especially towards Zeus’s lovers and illegitimate children.
6. Mother of Hephaestus: According to some myths, Hera birthed Hephaestus, god of blacksmithing and fire, alone, as revenge for Zeus birthing Athena without her.
7. The Peacock Myth: The peacock became Hera’s symbol after she placed the hundred eyes of Argus, her watchman, on the bird’s tail feathers.
8. Protector of Marriage: Hera was deeply committed to the sanctity of marriage, despite the challenges in her marriage to Zeus.
9. Hera’s Sacred Animals: Besides the peacock, the cow and lion are also sacred to Hera, representing her nurturing and powerful aspects.
10. Revered in Samos: The Greek island of Samos had one of the most important sanctuaries dedicated to Hera, known as the Heraion.
11. The Heraia Games: The Heraia was an ancient Greek festival held in Hera’s honor, featuring athletic competitions for women.
12. Hera’s Children with Zeus: Hera and Zeus had three main children together: Ares (god of war), Hebe (goddess of youth), and Eileithyia (goddess of childbirth).
13. Tried to Kill Heracles: In a famous myth, Hera sent two snakes to kill Heracles as a baby because he was Zeus’s son by a mortal woman.
14. The Cuckoo Story: To win Hera’s heart, Zeus turned himself into a cuckoo bird, which Hera took pity on and sheltered, leading to their marriage.
15. Participation in the Trojan War: Hera strongly supported the Greeks during the Trojan War, largely due to her anger at Paris, who didn’t choose her as the fairest goddess.
16. Hera and the Rebellion: In one myth, Hera joined Poseidon and Athena in a rebellion against Zeus, trying to overthrow him when his rule became too oppressive.
17. The Golden Apple Incident: Hera, along with Athena and Aphrodite, was one of the goddesses involved in the dispute over the Golden Apple, which ultimately led to the Trojan War.
18. Roman Counterpart: Hera’s Roman counterpart is Juno, who shares many of her traits and functions as a protector of marriage and women.
19. Hera’s Sacred Plant: The lily is a sacred flower of Hera and is often associated with purity and motherhood.
20. Her Influence Over Weather: In some stories, Hera has limited control over the weather, such as sending storms to prevent Zeus’s lovers from reaching him.
21. Known for Punishing Mortal Women: Hera frequently punished mortal women who had affairs with Zeus, though many were unwilling participants.
22. Godly Pride and Authority: Hera’s pride as the queen of the gods meant she demanded respect, not just from humans but also from other gods.
23. The Binding of Ixion: In one myth, Hera tricked the mortal Ixion, who tried to seduce her, leading to his eternal punishment on a fiery wheel.
24. The Creation of the Milky Way: According to myth, Hera created the Milky Way when she accidentally spilled her milk while nursing Heracles.
25. Assistance to Jason: Despite her jealous reputation, Hera helped the hero Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece as revenge against King Pelias.
26. Goddess of Childbirth: Besides marriage, Hera was also associated with safe childbirth, and women prayed to her for assistance during labor.
27. Influence Over Mortal Life: Hera’s powers extended to guiding marriages, shaping family destinies, and influencing the outcomes of events in human lives.