3.4 Major Myths and Symbols Associated with Zeus and Hera

Zeus and Hera's myths are full of drama and power plays. From Zeus's many affairs to Hera's jealous schemes, their stories show how the king and queen of the gods ruled over both mortals and immortals.

Their symbols and roles in major events like the Trojan War highlight their immense influence. Zeus's thunderbolts and eagles, and Hera's peacocks and cows, represent their dominion over different aspects of the world.

Zeus's Lovers and Children

Mortal and Divine Lovers of Zeus

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  Io (mythology) - Wikipedia View original

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• Io transformed into a white heifer by Zeus to conceal their affair from Hera
• Europa abducted by Zeus in the form of a white bull led to the founding of Crete
• Leto bore Apollo and Artemis after fleeing Hera's wrath
• Ganymede became Zeus's cupbearer on Olympus after being carried off by an eagle

Notable Offspring of Zeus

• Heracles born to mortal woman Alcmene became a legendary hero and demigod
• Apollo and Artemis fathered with Leto became important Olympian deities
• Perseus born to Danaë after Zeus visited her as a shower of gold
• Helen of Troy conceived when Zeus took the form of a swan to seduce Leda

Symbols of Zeus's Power

Celestial and Earthly Domains

• Mount Olympus served as Zeus's home and the seat of the gods
• Eagle represented Zeus's dominion over the sky and his role as king of the gods
• Oak tree symbolized Zeus's strength and authority in the natural world

Divine Weapons and Regalia

• Thunderbolt functioned as Zeus's primary weapon forged by the Cyclopes
• Aegis shield protected Zeus in battle and struck fear into his enemies
• Scepter represented Zeus's sovereignty and judicial authority over gods and mortals

Zeus's Role in the Trojan War

Origins of the Conflict

• Golden apple inscribed "For the Fairest" sparked a dispute among Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite
• Judgment of Paris tasked the Trojan prince with choosing the most beautiful goddess
• Paris's choice of Aphrodite led to his abduction of Helen and the start of the war

Zeus's Involvement in the War

• Initially maintained neutrality to avoid angering Hera or other gods with vested interests
• Intervened at key moments to fulfill the will of Fate and ensure a Trojan defeat
• Used his scales to weigh the fates of Greeks and Trojans determining the outcome of battles
• Sent dreams and omens to influence the actions of mortal heroes (Agamemnon, Achilles)