As a result, despite the volatile nature of their relationship, Hera was bound to Zeus forever. Thus, she was dependent on his power for her own. Another factor influencing the partnership was that if Zeus and Hera were to divorce, Hera would lose her status and power as Queen of Olympus. Hera had no power to escape this bond, because, for her and Zeus, marriage was eternal, and it was the custom that only the man could decide to divorce his wife in ancient Greece. “He hung up Juno from the wheeling sky and showed to her chaos in its horror and the doom of the abyss.” (Valerius Flaccus, Argonautica 2.82) In retaliation, Zeus tormented and terrified Hera so much that she never attempted to overthrow him again. On one occasion, Hera attempted to overthrow Zeus with the help of some of the other gods, but the plot failed. Hera was unable to avenge herself for Zeus’ slights because she was subjugated by the divine hierarchy and fearful of Zeus’ power. Hera: Part II Jupiter and Juno on Mount Ida by James Barry, c.1804-5, via The Tate Museum, London. Hera, ashamed of the violation, agreed to marry Zeus. Taking advantage of her proximity, Zeus then transformed back into his true godly form and raped her. Hera saw the bird in distress and took it into her arms, close to her chest so that she could warm and protect it. He pretended to be an injured and helpless little bird, endangered by the harsh weather. However, Zeus was relentless and ignored her dismissal.Įventually, he transformed himself into a cuckoo and conjured a great thunderstorm. In mythology, Hera repeatedly rejected Zeus’ advances and refused to marry him. At every wedding and throughout every marriage, people would regularly pray to Hera for her protection and guidance.Īnd yet, her story began with a forced marriage. As the Goddess of Marriage, Hera was one of the most worshipped and respected goddesses in ancient Greece for a very long time. Her rank surpassed all other Greek goddesses and most other gods. The Greek Goddesses: Hera Goddess Of Marriage The Peacock Complaining to Juno (Hera) by Gustave Moreau, 1881, via Musée Gustave Moreau, Paris.
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