Hera, both discreet and essential… the story of this Greek goddess.
The couple: Hera and Zeus
Hera, the goddess of marriage and family, was thewife of Zeus. She sat beside him on a golden throne, sharing his kingship. In a way, she’s the feminine face of Zeus.
Hera and Zeus are united by the most sacred of bonds, marriage. And yet, she is considered less powerful than her husband, because heaven can only have one master.
Hera is the most respected deity on Mount Olympus. When she appears in the divine palaces, all the gods rise to greet her. (Homer, Iliad).
However, she’s also a very jealous wife, especially when she notices her husband’s betrayals. His anger and vengeance are terrible. He often goes too far, taking revenge on Zeus’ mistresses and their children.
Representation in ancient art
The peacock was a bird linked to the goddess. Its dotted plumage symbolizes the grandeur of the starry sky. In addition, Hera was very beautiful, an austere beauty that expressed seriousness and dignity.
In fact, the sculptor Polyclitus created the most famous statute of the goddess, in his sanctuary in Argos.
Sure, in ancient art, the couple Zeus – Hera is often depicted either in loving embraces or in angry outbursts. This double representation explains and corresponds to the different changes in the sky.
The goddess of marriage and family
The Sacred Union of Zeus and Hera was celebrated in early spring. In Argos and Samos, his statue was crowned with fresh spring flowers. On the island of Samos, you can visit one of Greece’s largest temples in honor of the goddess who is said to have been born on the northern Aegean island: the Herion. At Olympia, in its stone sanctuary, there was also an important cult of Hera.
To the Greeks, Hera has always represented a model of the faithful wife and honest woman. Protector of marriage, she offered newly-wed couples pomegranate fruits, accompanying them with a vow: as many seeds as there are in the pomegranate, so many happy and fruitful days in your life! His daughter Ilithye is the deity who protects motherhood.
In Hera, every woman finds her celestial model.
Mania F.
An idea for a getaway around Athens, or rather Corinth, discover the Perachora Herion, a sanctuary dedicated to Hera. You can even combine this cultural visit with a swim in Lake Vouliagmeni, just beyond Loutraki.
