hera

In ancient Greek mythology, Hera was a prominent goddess and queen of the Olympian gods. She was the wife and sister of Zeus, the king of the gods. Hera was associated with marriage, family, and women, symbolizing the ideal wife and mother. As the protectress of marriage, she presided over weddings and blessed unions, while also fiercely defending her marriage against Zeus’s infidelities. Hera’s mythological stories often involve her jealousy and conflicts with other gods and mortal women involved with Zeus. Despite her tumultuous relationship with Zeus, Hera played a vital role in the divine pantheon, and her cult was widespread across ancient Greece. She was depicted as a mature and majestic figure, often wearing a crown or holding a scepter. Hera’s influence extended beyond Greece, as she was also identified with the Roman goddess Juno. Hera remains a significant figure in Greek mythology, representing the complexities of marriage, family, and the power dynamics between gods and mortals.