The Story of Hera
Hera was a daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Like most of her brothers and sisters, she was swallowed by her father the moment she was born, because Cronus feared a prophecy that one of his children would take his throne. She spent her infancy trapped inside him until Zeus tricked Cronus into bringing up all the children he had swallowed.
While the gods fought the Titans, Hera was sent to safety at the edge of the world, where the sea gods Oceanus and Tethys looked after her. She grew into a proud and majestic goddess, and when the war was won, she took her place among the new rulers on Mount Olympus.
Zeus wanted Hera as his wife, but she was not easily won. He disguised himself as a small cuckoo shivering in a storm, and when Hera warmed the bird against her chest, he took back his true form. Their wedding was the grandest celebration the gods had ever seen, and Gaia gave Hera a tree bearing golden apples as a wedding gift.
As queen of Olympus, Hera bore Zeus several children, including Ares, the god of war, Hebe, the goddess of youth, and Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth. Some stories say she gave birth to Hephaestus on her own, in answer to Zeus producing Athena without her. She sat beside her husband on a throne of her own and was the only goddess who dared to challenge him openly.
Hera was the protector of marriage, and her husband's endless affairs wounded her pride deeply. She turned her fury on his lovers and their children, chasing Leto across the earth, tricking Semele into her death, and making the life of Heracles a long series of trials. Once she even joined Poseidon and Athena in a plot to bind Zeus in chains, a rebellion that failed when the giant Briareus came to his rescue.
The Greeks worshipped Hera as the goddess of women, marriage and family. Her great sanctuaries stood at Argos and on the island of Samos, where people said she had been born, and her temple at Olympia is older than the temple of Zeus beside it. Women honored her with festivals and footraces called the Heraia, and brides prayed to her for a happy marriage.
Hera remains one of the most vivid figures in Greek myth, a queen whose anger shaped the fates of heroes and cities alike. To the Romans she became Juno, the protector of the state, and the month of June still carries her Roman name. Her story shows how the Greeks saw marriage as sacred, and how fiercely its guardian defended it.
Famous Myths About Hera
Swallowed by Cronus
Like most of her siblings, Hera was swallowed at birth by her father Cronus. She was freed when Zeus forced Cronus to cough up his children, and she later became Zeus's wife and queen of Olympus.
The Cuckoo Bride
Zeus courted Hera by turning himself into a cuckoo caught in a storm. When Hera tenderly held the shivering bird to her breast, Zeus returned to his true form and won her as his wife.
Io and the Hundred-Eyed Guard
Zeus fell in love with Io and turned her into a heifer to hide her from Hera. Hera asked for the heifer as a gift and set the hundred-eyed giant Argus to guard her, and after Hermes killed Argus, Hera placed his eyes in the tail of her sacred peacock.
Persecuting Heracles
Hera never forgave Zeus for fathering Heracles with a mortal woman. She sent serpents to his cradle, drove him mad later in life, and placed obstacle after obstacle in his way during his Twelve Labors.
The Judgment of Paris
Hera was one of three goddesses who competed for the golden apple marked for the fairest. When Paris chose Aphrodite instead, Hera became a fierce enemy of Troy and supported the Greeks throughout the war.
Where to See Hera in Greece
Hera's Family Tree
Husband of Hera
Frequently Asked Questions About Hera
Who is Hera in Greek mythology?
Hera is the queen of the Olympian gods and the goddess of marriage, women, family and childbirth.
Who are Hera's parents?
Hera is a daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Like most of her siblings, she was swallowed by Cronus at birth and later freed by Zeus.
Who was Hera's husband?
Hera's husband was Zeus, who was also her brother. Their children include Ares, Hebe and Eileithyia, and Hephaestus is sometimes said to be her son alone.
Why was Hera so jealous?
Zeus had many affairs, and Hera often punished his lovers and their children. Among those who suffered her anger were Leto, Io, Semele and the hero Heracles.
What are Hera's symbols?
Hera's symbols include the peacock, the cow, the diadem, the pomegranate and a scepter topped with a lotus.
What is Hera's Roman name?
The Romans called Hera Juno.
