Hera
Overview
Hera is the goddess of women, marriage, family, and childbirth in Ancient Greek religion and mythology, one of the Twelve Olympians and the sister-wife of Zeus. She is the daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Hera rules over Mount Olympus as queen of the gods. A matronly figure, Hera served as both the patroness and protectress of married women, presiding over weddings and blessing marital unions. One of Hera's defining characteristics is her jealous and vengeful nature against Zeus' numerous lovers and illegitimate offspring, as well as the mortals who cross her.
Etymology
The name Hera has several potential origins. It may be connected to the Greek word "ἥρως" (hērōs), meaning "hero", due to her role as the patron goddess of heroic endeavour. Alternatively, it could be related to the Greek word "ὥρα" (hōra), meaning "season", reflecting her role as the goddess of the life cycle. Another possibility is a connection to the Greek word "ἀήρ" (aēr), meaning "air", which would associate Hera with the atmosphere.
Mythology
Birth
Hera was born to the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Like her siblings, Hera was swallowed by her father at birth because of a prophecy that said one of Cronus' children would overthrow him. After Zeus, the last child of Cronus and Rhea, tricked his father into regurgitating his siblings, Hera and her brothers and sisters rebelled against the Titans and banished them to the underworld, a place called Tartarus.
Marriage to Zeus
Hera became Zeus' wife and queen of the gods after a courtship that was not without difficulties. According to some versions of the myth, Zeus transformed himself into a cuckoo bird to woo Hera, knowing she had a fondness for animals. When Hera found the bird during a storm and held it to her breast to warm it, Zeus transformed back into his true form and raped her. Ashamed, Hera agreed to marry Zeus to cover her shame, and the two had a grand wedding attended by all the gods.
Children
Hera is the mother of several gods and goddesses. With Zeus, she gave birth to Ares, the god of war; Hebe, the goddess of youth; and Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth. She also bore Hephaestus, the god of fire and metalworking, either alone or with Zeus. According to some myths, Hera gave birth to Hephaestus without the aid of Zeus in retaliation for his having given birth to Athena without her input.
Role and Worship
As the goddess of marriage and childbirth, Hera was revered as the protector of women and the family. Her worship included wedding rituals and the care of the household. She was also seen as a patron of cities and kingdoms, with many Greek city-states claiming her as their protectress. Hera's main centers of worship were Argos and Samos.
Hera in Art
Hera is often depicted in Greek art as a beautiful woman wearing a crown and holding a royal, lotus-tipped scepter. Her sacred animals, the cow and the peacock, often accompany her. The cuckoo bird, which Zeus had transformed into to woo her, also appears in her iconography.