Who are the parents of the goddess Hera?
Hera is the daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. She is also the sister of Hestia, Demeter, Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus.
Common questions about Hera
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the meaning of the epithet cow-eyed mistress Hera?
The epithet cow-eyed mistress Hera translates from the Greek formula boōpis potnia Hērē and suggests a deep connection to cattle and the earth. This title points to her origins as a form of the Mediterranean goddess of nature who was especially venerated in cattle-rich Euboea.
How did Zeus woo Hera according to the myth recorded by Pausanias?
Zeus transformed himself into a cuckoo to woo Hera and she kept the bird as her pet. This myth explains why the cuckoo is seated on her sceptre.
What role does Hera play in the Iliad regarding the Trojan War?
Hera makes many attempts to thwart the Trojan Army and persuades Athena to aid the Achaeans in battle. She also devises a plan to deceive Zeus by seducing him with the help of Aphrodite and Hypnos to allow the gods to interfere in the war.
What festivals are celebrated in honor of Hera and what do they involve?
The festival Daedala of Hera is a fire festival where a puppet of the goddess is married to Zeus and then ritually burned. The Argive Heraia is a new year festival that includes an armed procession of male citizens and a footrace for young girls.
Why did Hera turn Aëtos into an eagle?
Hera turned Aëtos into an eagle out of fear that Zeus loved him. This transformation made the eagle the sacred bird of Zeus and a symbol of power and kingship.