3.2 Hera: Queen of the Gods and Goddess of Marriage

Hera, Queen of the Gods and Goddess of Marriage, played a crucial role in Greek mythology. She oversaw marriage, family, and childbirth, embodying the ideal of motherhood while also being known for her fierce jealousy and vengeance against Zeus's infidelities.

Hera's sacred symbols included the peacock, cow, and cuckoo bird, each representing different aspects of her divine nature. Her royal attributes like the diadem and lotus scepter emphasized her status, while the pomegranate symbolized her connection to fertility and marriage.

Hera's Roles and Associations

Marriage and Family Domains

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• Presided over marriage ceremonies as the goddess of matrimony
• Blessed and protected married couples throughout their lives
• Ensured the sanctity of the marriage bed and marital fidelity
• Oversaw family dynamics and household harmony
• Promoted the importance of strong familial bonds in Greek society

Childbirth and Motherhood

• Assisted women during pregnancy and childbirth (Eileithyia)
• Watched over mothers and newborns in the critical postpartum period
• Provided guidance on child-rearing and family planning
• Symbolized the ideal of motherhood in Greek culture
• Ironically struggled with her own fertility issues in mythology

Jealousy and Vengeance

• Fiercely protected her marriage to Zeus despite his numerous infidelities
• Pursued Zeus's lovers and illegitimate children with relentless determination
• Devised elaborate schemes to punish those who wronged her (Heracles)
• Embodied the concept of righteous anger in Greek mythology
• Demonstrated the destructive power of unchecked jealousy and revenge

Sacred Symbols and Attributes

Animal and Natural Symbols

• Peacock represented Hera's regal status and all-seeing nature
  • Tail feathers symbolized the stars in the night sky
  • Became associated with Hera after she placed Argus's eyes on its tail
• Cow signified Hera's nurturing and maternal aspects
  • Sacred cows were kept in her temples (Argive Heraion)
  • Connected to the myth of Io, whom Hera transformed into a cow
• Cuckoo bird linked to Hera's courtship with Zeus
  • Zeus transformed himself into a cuckoo to woo Hera
  • Became a symbol of their sacred marriage

Royal and Fertility Symbols

• Diadem or crown emphasized Hera's status as Queen of the Gods
  • Often depicted wearing an elaborate golden crown in artwork
  • Symbolized her authority over both gods and mortals
• Pomegranate represented fertility, marriage, and death
  • Associated with Hera's role in overseeing childbirth and family life
  • Shared symbolism with Persephone and the underworld
• Lotus scepter signified Hera's divine power and royal authority
  • Often held in her hand in statues and vase paintings
  • Represented her influence over natural cycles and rebirth