Tagged: Facts about Hera

Hera is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, and here are some key facts about her:

Goddess of Marriage: Hera is primarily known as the goddess of marriage and the queen of the Olympian gods. She presided over weddings and was the protector of married couples.
Consort of Zeus: Hera is married to Zeus, the king of the gods. Their relationship is a central theme in Greek mythology, marked by Zeus’s many infidelities and Hera’s jealousy and anger in response.
Queen of the Gods: As the queen of the gods, Hera held a significant position on Mount Olympus. She was one of the twelve Olympian deities who ruled over the ancient Greek pantheon.
Divine Offspring: Hera and Zeus had several divine offspring, including Ares (the god of war) and Hephaestus (the god of craftsmanship and blacksmiths). Some versions of the myths suggest that Hera gave birth to Ares without the involvement of Zeus.
Symbols: Hera’s symbols include the peacock and the cow. The peacock is often associated with her due to its beauty and regal appearance. The cow symbolizes her role as a nurturing and maternal deity.
Vengeful Nature: Hera is often portrayed as a vengeful goddess who sought retribution against those who offended or betrayed her. She was known for punishing both mortals and gods who crossed her.
Sacred Cities: Hera had several sacred cities, including Argos, Samos, and Olympia. Each of these cities had temples dedicated to her worship.
Matron of Family: Hera was considered the matron of family and protector of the sanctity of marriage. Despite her tumultuous relationship with Zeus, her divine role was to oversee the institution of marriage.
Epithets: Hera was known by various epithets, including “Hera Teleia” (Hera the Adult) and “Hera Parthenia” (Hera the Virgin). These titles reflected different aspects of her divine identity.
Role in Mythology: Hera played a significant role in various Greek myths, including her involvement in the story of the Golden Fleece, her persecution of Leto (the mother of Apollo and Artemis), and her participation in the Trojan War.
Hera and Heracles: One of the most famous stories involving Hera is her ongoing rivalry with Heracles (Hercules), Zeus’s son by a mortal woman. Heracles was a frequent target of Hera’s wrath, leading to many of his heroic labors.
Worship: Hera was widely worshiped throughout ancient Greece, and her cults had various rituals and festivals dedicated to her honor.

Worship Places

Hera, the queen of the Olympian gods and the goddess of marriage and family, had several sacred places and temples dedicated to her worship in ancient Greece.

Here are some of the notable worship places of Hera:

Argos: Argos was one of the primary centers of Hera’s worship. The Heraion, a temple dedicated to Hera, was located here. It was one of the most ancient and significant temples of Hera in Greece.
Samos: On the island of Samos, the Heraion of Samos was a grand temple complex dedicated to Hera. It was renowned for its size and architectural beauty and was one of the largest temples of ancient Greece.
Olympia: The sanctuary of Olympia, where the Olympic Games were held, also featured a temple dedicated to Hera. This temple housed a famous gold and ivory statue of Hera created by the sculptor Phidias.
Perachora: The Heraion of Perachora, situated near Corinth, was another important temple dedicated to Hera. It was known for its location overlooking the sea and its distinctive architecture.
Mycenae: The city of Mycenae in the Peloponnese had a temple dedicated to Hera. It was believed to be one of the places where Hera was worshiped since ancient times.
Paestum: In ancient Magna Graecia (southern Italy), the city of Paestum had temples dedicated to various Greek deities, including Hera. The temples at Paestum are some of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world.
Euboea: Hera was also worshiped on the island of Euboea, where several temples and sanctuaries were dedicated to her.
Delos: On the island of Delos, the sacred birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, there was a temple of Hera, reflecting her connection to childbirth and motherhood.

Ancient Greek gods and goddesses

August 17, 2020

Greek Mythology: 20+ Majestic Facts about Hera, the Queen of Greek Gods

The following are some majestic facts about Hera, the goddess of married women, weddings and all other types of marital unions: Her fights and numerous domestic conflicts with her husband...