Hera

Krios, Iapetus, Hyperion, Arges, Brontes, Steropes, Cottus, Gyges, Briares, Typhon (uncles)
Themis, Phoebe, Theia, Mnemosyne, Aphrodite (aunts)
Oceanus and Tethys (foster parents/uncle and aunt)
Zeus (husband/brother)
Hebe, Enyo, Eileithyia (daughters)
Ares, Hephaestus (sons)
Deimos, Eros, Harmonia, Phobos, Eurytion, Theban Drakon, Diomedes of Thrace, Hippolyta, Penthesilea, Edward Teach, Ares' Cabin members, Alexiares and Anicetus, William H. Seward, Hebe's Cabin members, Erichthonius, Archimedes, Thomas Faynor, Hephaestus' Cabin members (grandchildren)

## Physical Description

### Species

Goddess

Taken from here

Also see: Hera's Cabin

**Hera** is the Greek goddess of Women, Marriage, Childbirth and Familial love. She is the youngest daughter of Rhea and Kronos, as well as the older sister and wife of Zeus, therefore being the Queen of Olympus. Her Roman counterpart is **Juno**.

## History

### Birth and Rescue

Hera was the youngest daughter and third child of Kronos, the Titan King of Mount Othrys, and his wife Rhea. Since she was their most beautiful daughter, Rhea had hoped that Hera wouldn't get swallowed. However, since Hera was a goddess (a member of a more beautiful and powerful race of immortals than the Titans), Kronos feared that Hera would one day overpower him and quickly proceeded to swallow her whole as well. Hera spent her childhood undigested in her father's stomach along with her sisters, and two younger brothers, who were swallowed shortly thereafter. Since they were immortal gods who couldn't truly die, all five of them had grown to their maturity undigested in Kronos' stomach.

However, Rhea soon gave birth to her final child, Zeus, who she secretly raised on Crete far away from Mount Othrys. After growing up, Zeus successfully infiltrated Kronos' Palace on Mount Othrys disguised as the Titan King's royal cup-bearer. Hera was finally released during the final drinking competition that Kronos had with his Titanic brothers and nephews. The Titan King disgorged all of the contents of his stomach in reverse order of swallowing: first the boulder (which Rhea put in Zeus' place), then Poseidon, Hades, Hera, Demeter, and Hestia. Zeus quickly introduced himself to his elder siblings, and all of them promptly escaped Mount Othrys, before their Titanic uncles and cousins came to their senses. In Zeus' Cave, at the base of Mount Ida, Hera happily reunited with her mother, who tearfully embraced her. Shortly thereafter, Hera and the other gods accepted Zeus as their leader and reached a unanimous consensus on declaring war against their tyrannical father. However, since the Titans were well-armed, and the gods still had no weapons, Hera agreed to help Zeus release their Elder Cyclopes and Hekatonkheire uncles from Tartarus first.

### Rescuing the Elder Cyclopes and Hecatonchires

Her brother Hades was very skilled in navigating under the earth and lead them all into Tartarus through a network of Underworld tunnels. There, imprisoned in the maximum-security zone were the Elder Cyclopes and Hekatonkheires. Their guardian, Kampê, was the most ferocious and fearsome monster in all of Tartarus, frightening even Zeus, Hades and Poseidon themselves. However, the gods overcame their fear and were able to sneak in. Zeus managed to talk to the Cyclopes Brontes and convinced him to forge powerful weapons for him and his siblings behind Kampê's back. The three Elder Cyclopes forged three incredibly powerful weapons: the Master Bolt (for Zeus), the Trident (for Poseidon), and the Helm of Darkness (for Hades). With these new weapons, Zeus killed Kampê and Poseidon shattered the chains of the Elder Cyclopes and Hecatonchires, releasing them. Afterwards, Hades safely guided his siblings and uncles back out of Tartarus. In return, for their release, all six of Hera's uncles agreed to fight on her side in the upcoming war with the Titans.

### The First Titanomachy

Shortly after their return from Tartarus, Hera and her siblings officially declared war on Kronos and the other Titans, which resulted in the terrifying 11-year-long Titanomachy. The Elder Cyclopes soon forged a mighty golden Lotus staff for Hera, which she bravely wielded in the battle against the Titans. The Titans initially had the upper hand since they were much more experienced warriors. However, as the years passed, the gods quickly became skilled warriors as well, and with the help of their new extremely powerful weapons and the aid of the Elder Cyclopes and Hecatonchires, the gods finally prevailed.

While preparing for the final battle of the war, Hera and her siblings ascended to Mount Olympus (the tallest mountain in Greece after Mount Orthys). During the final battle, Zeus used his Master Bolt to shear off the top of Mount Othrys, and hurl Kronos from his Black Throne, defeating the Titan King. Shortly thereafter, the gods invaded the ruins of Mount Orthys and finally overwhelmed Atlas, Hyperion, Iapetus, Krios, and Koios.

In the aftermath of the battle, the Elder Cyclops chained up all of the defeated Titans, while the Hekatonkheires forced them to kneel before the gods. Atlas, however, laughed and stated that the sky would fall if the Titans of the East, West, North and South were all thrown into Tartarus. The Gods had already thought about this, however, and punished Atlas by making him hold up the sky. Zeus then took their father's Scythe and sliced Kronos into a thousand pieces, before casting him into Tartarus, along with the rest of his followers (except for Atlas, who was forced to hold the sky). Calypso was punished for siding with the other Titans, and Hera gave invisible servants to the Titaness so she would have some company during her imprisonment in Ogygia. The gods chose Olympus as their official residence and the Elder Cyclopes build magnificent palaces there for them all. As a result, the gods started to call themselves the "Olympians".

### Living with Oceanus and Tethys

As the most beautiful Olympian goddess in creation (before Aphrodite's birth), Hera was desired by many gods and Titans. However, she had a fierce and infamous temper, and would arrogantly rebuke anyone who ever tried to woo her. As a result, her mother decided to send Hera to her uncle Oceanus and aunt Tethys in order to learn to tame her temper. Hera spent several happy years with them away from Mount Olympus.

After seeing how stable and loving Oceanus and Tethys' marriage was, Hera decided to strive for a similar one for herself. While Hera did manage to tame her infamous temper by the time of her return, many gods were still wary of openly flirting with her since she was determined to find a perfect husband for herself.

### Marriage to Zeus

Soon after her return, Hera caught the attention of Zeus himself. While Hera had strong feelings for him as well, she refused to be another conquest for the King of the Gods. However, Zeus was just as stubborn and wouldn't be dissuaded. He applied his excellent singing, dancing, and joking skills to woo Hera, but she wouldn't initially give in. Zeus made a bet with Hera that if she would ever confess her love for him, she would become his bride. A few days later, Zeus proceeded to generate a tremendous thunderstorm around Olympus and disguised himself as an injured cuckoo. The cuckoo flew into Hera's chambers just as she was shutting her windows, and proceeded to fall on the marble floor. She took what she thought was a defenceless creature in her arms, dried its feathers, and revived it with some divine nectar. On the next morning, the cuckoo didn't seem inclined to leave and affectionately rubbed its beak against Hera's finger. Hera admitted having grown quite fond of the bird herself and gently cuddled it in her arms. At that very instant, the cuckoo transformed into Zeus himself. Although she was embarrassed and outraged by her brother's deception, Hera was very impressed at Zeus' cleverness and agreed to become his consort on the condition that he remained loyal to her a promise which Zeus would not uphold.

Their wedding was held in a spectacular celebration on Mount Olympus and was attended by many gods and neutral Titans. The couple arrived on a huge golden chariot, steered by Eos (who illuminated them with brilliant rosy light), and the ceremony was led by the Fates. Through her marriage to Zeus, Hera became the Queen of Mount Olympus and the Olympian gods. Hera received great gifts from all of their wedding guests, but her favourite was a magnificent apple tree (with golden apples) that she received from her grandmother Gaea. Hera had the tree taken far off to the west and planted in a beautiful orchard. She employed the Hesperides to guard the tree, but as the nymphs would occasionally pluck an apple from the tree themselves, she put the fierce dragon Ladon there as well. This orchard was later named the Garden of the Hesperides

The newlyweds enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon and were both very happy with each other for 300 years. They had four divine children together: Ares (the God of War), Enyo (the Goddess of War), Hebe (the Goddess of Youth), and Eileithyia (the Goddess of Childbirth). After marrying Zeus, Hera decided to become the Goddess of Marriage, Motherhood, and Familial Love. However, Zeus eventually became restless and began the first of his many affairs. Hera was infuriated and frustrated to no end by his infidelity. She devoted most of her time to keeping Zeus insight and making the lives of his mistresses and illegitimate children miserable. Her hatred is most evident in the stories of Dionysus and Hercules, whom she tried to kill repetitively.

### Birth of Hephaestus

Tired of her husband after several children without her, Hera decided to have children without him as well. Her final son was Hephaestus (God of Blacksmiths) whom she had with herself. However, when Hera saw the unsightly appearance of her son, she threw him from Olympus in fear of being embarrassed by the other gods. Hephaestus landed in the sea, where he was found and raised by the Nereid Thetis. However, Hera's act of cruelty haunted Hephaestus.

After spending nine years under the sea, Hephaestus finally rode back to Mount Olympus. All of the gods (especially Hera) were shocked into silence by his ugliness. However, Hephaestus brought magnificent new thrones for all of the Olympians. Hera's throne was made from shining pure adamantine, making it particularly beautiful. A suspicious Hera finally seated herself and was instantly, tightly bound by invisible and unbreakable chains. The chains grasped Hera so tightly that she couldn't breathe and all of the divine ichor in her veins flowed to her arms and legs. Both Ares and Hermes tried to convince Hephaestus to release his mother, but the latter remained stubborn and inexorable. Dionysus began visiting Hephaestus' forge from time to time and peacefully chatting with him. A week later, Dionysus introduced Hephaestus to wine and finally convinced him to forgive Hera. Hephaestus came back to Mount Olympus, declared his forgiveness of Hera's act of cruelty and releases her. Afterwards, Hephaestus and Hera made peace with each other.

### Olympian Riot

Enraged at her husband's abuse of power and infidelity, Hera decided to stage a revolt against Zeus. She managed to gain the support of Poseidon, Athena and Apollo. That evening, Apollo, Athena and Poseidon hid in the hall adjacent to the royal chambers, awaiting Hera's signal. As soon as Zeus had fallen asleep, all four of them quickly bound the King of Olympus with unbreakable and tightening golden chains, which were made by Athena. Even chained up and completely immobilized, an infuriated Zeus looked very intimidating. Poseidon attempted to reason with his brother and demanded that Zeus be a better ruler. Zeus refused, which prompted Hera to advocate leaving him chained up in his chambers until he agrees. Shortly thereafter, the four Olympians departed for the Throne Room for the first (and last) democratic meeting of the Olympian Council, which proved to be a very cumbersome task. The violent thrashing and bellowing King of Olympus was found by the Nereid Thetis. After convincing Zeus to not throw the rioters to Tartarus, Thetis managed to find the Hekatonkheire Briares by the seashore. Briares quickly unchained Zeus, after which the latter seized his Master Bolt, and barged into the Throne Room, violently ending the meeting.

Zeus remained true to his word, but he still punished them all. While Poseidon and Apollo were temporarily stripped of their godly powers and forced to do hard labour, Hera received the severest punishment of all: She was chained right above the terrifying Void of Chaos. Every day, Zeus would visit her, threaten to sever the chains with his Master Bolt, and watch her tumble into the Void. Hephaestus could hear the wails of his mother from Mount Olympus, which infuriated him as he couldn't bear to hear her suffering such a harsh punishment. As a result, Hephaestus set his mother free with his tools. Hera tearfully embraced her son and promised never to call him ugly ever again.

### Trojan War

When Eris hurled the Apple of Discord into the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, bearing the inscription "For the fairest", Hera was one of the candidates who competed for it, along with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom. The Trojan prince Paris was chosen to judge who was the most beautiful of the three goddesses: Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Hera offered to make Paris the master of all Asia and Europe if he chose her. Athena offered Paris endless wisdom if he chose her. Aphrodite offered Paris the marriage of the most beautiful woman in existence: Helen if he chose her. Paris immediately chose Aphrodite, as no man could resist the temptation of marrying a beautiful woman.

An enraged Hera sided with the Greeks along with Athena in the Trojan War in revenge against Paris. According to the *Iliad*, the war would have ended in peace, but Hera had a vested interest in its outcome and influenced Zeus to either switch sides or remain neutral.

## Appearance

Hera is the most beautiful Elder Olympian goddess. She is described to be tall and graceful, with long chocolate-coloured hair braided in plaits with gold ribbons, eyes that shone with power, and a sunny smile. She wore a simple white dress that shimmered colour like oil on the water when she moved. Hera was also described to be both terrible and beautiful in her wrath, glowing in power. A golden crown glowed in her long black hair and her arms were bedecked with golden jewellery. She was dressed in an elegant white gown.

Hera rides in a chariot pulled by enormous peacocks with rainbow-coloured plumage so bright that *"it gave the spins"*.

## Abilities

Due to her status as an Elder Olympian and Queen of the Gods, Hera is an extremely powerful goddess. She is described as being more powerful than her younger Olympians and her older sisters, though not quite as much as her brothers.

* **Motherhood**: As the Goddess of Motherhood, Hera has absolute and divine authority about raising children and her own fertility. Her powers are most likely superior to those of her male counterpart Hymenaios.
	+ **Self-Impregnation**: Hera managed to become pregnant with a divine child all by herself. However, this may explain why Hephaestus was deformed since birth.
	+ **Granting Help**: Hera can grant powers and help to children. After being breastfed by the goddess, Heracles was granted incredible superhuman strength.
* **Domestic Manipulation**: As the Goddess of Marriage and Family, all things related to domestic and familial relationships are under Hera's jurisdiction.
	+ **Olympian Bond**: Hera is the "glue" that holds the Olympian family together. Her absence could unravel the stability of Olympus and shake the foundations of the world itself.
	+ **Mnemokinesis**: Hera can steal and restore memories.
	+ **Food-Conjuration**: Hera was said to be an excellent cook like her sister Demeter, knowing how to bake delicious bread and brownies.
	+ **Cleanliness Inducement**: Hera can make things clean and orderly. With just a flick of her finger, she can clean grime from people's faces and even brush their hair
* **Territorial Jurisdiction**: As the Queen of Olympus, Hera has a great deal of influence over territories and sovereign rule.
	+ **Teleportation**: Hera has the power of teleportation, which manifests in "bursts of peacock-coloured light". She could also teleport others to their desired location.
* **Aerokinesis** (limited): As the wife of Zeus, Hera can control and manipulate air, though to a lesser extent than her husband's.
	+ **Nephelokinesis**: As shown by *Percy Jackson's Greek Gods*, Hera can ride golden clouds. She hovered over Thebes and later travelled to it on a golden cloud.
* **Madness Induction**: Hera has an infamous control and manipulation over madness. She drove the then demigod Dionysus insane to the point he had to go to Zeus to be cured. Hera later induced Hercules to kill his wife Megara, his children and servants.
* **Hypnokinesis**: Hera can manipulate and enter the dreams of others.
* **Battle Prowess**: Hera was shown to have been an eager and capable participant in the First Titanomachy.
* **Divine Form**: Hera's true form was described as an exploding supernova ring of force that vaporized every monster around her instantly. She assumes this form in combat. Any mortal who witnesses her in this form will die instantly.
* **Life Creation**: Hera has demonstrated the ability to manipulate reality itself to a considerable extent. She created the one hundred-eyed giant Argus (who shares an emotional link with her).
* **Control of Animals**: Hera has a high level of control over animals, particularly the cow and the peacock.
* **Shapeshifting**: Hera has quite the skill at changing her form. She has transformed into an eagle while escaping from Kronos' palace, a bat while sneaking into Tartarus' maximum-security zone, and an old woman while visiting Semele.
* **Possession**: Like all gods, Hera can possess mortals, such as the current host of the Oracle of Delphi.

## Attributes

* Her attributes are a diadem, sceptre, Lotus staff (symbol), lily and pomegranate.
* Her sacred animals are the peacock and the cow.

## Relationships

### Love Interests

Hera honestly believes that marriage was forever, for better or worse, which was exactly why her husband's numerous infidelities drove her to such raging jealousy towards his mistresses and children. As one of the most beautiful goddesses, she is often desired by others, though her faithfulness is constant. However, Hera and Zeus have a turbulent relationship in which they often clash for their strong tempers. Though she never rebelled again, Hera occasionally interferes with Zeus' affairs and plans, tricking him into getting what she wants.

## Trivia

* One of Hera's most common epithets is βοῶπις (*boōpis*), meaning “cow-faced, ox-eyed”*.*
* Hera is known as the Goddess of Marriage and Family, but her oldest sister Hestia is the official Goddess of the Family and Home. It could be theorized that they shared jurisdiction over familial relationships.
* Although she is the goddess and protector of marriage, it is ironic that Hera's marriage isn't peaceful nor too happy due to Zeus' many infidelities and illegitimate children.
* Though Hera stated that she is jealous of not having heroes to do her bidding, she could have initiated a group of followers like Artemis did (e.g. funding a group of caretakers).
* Hera shares numerous similarities with her mother Rhea:
	+ Their names are anagrams of each other's names.
	+ They are among the most beautiful deities (Rhea is the most beautiful Elder Titaness, while Hera is the most beautiful Elder Olympian).
	+ They are both deities of motherhood.
	+ They are both married to their youngest brothers (Rhea married her brother Kronos, while Hera married her brother Zeus).
* Despite her immense hatred of Hercules, Hera is the source of his name, godlike strength, and last marriage.
	+ Zeus named his son after Hera in an attempt to placate her rage. Hercules' name means “glory of Hera”.
	+ Athena took an infant Hercules up to Olympus and presented him to Hera, who didn't know it was and took pity on the child. While she nursed him, Hercules suckled so hard that he obtained legendary strength. Hera pushed the baby away in pain, dropping her divine milk across the night sky and forming the Milky Way.
	+ Upon his ascension, Hercules married one of Hera's daughters, Hebe.
* In myths, Hera regains her virginity every year by a sacred bath so she could celebrate her hierogamy (“sacred marriage”) to Zeus, though she is a matron goddess.
* In the Orphic version of Dionysus' birth, Hera had the infant child torn to pieces and eaten by the Titans upon discovering Zeus' infidelity. However, the then demigod was brought back to life and his resurrection was celebrated in ancient Greek theatres.
* According to the *Bibliotheca*, Hera raised a storm in an attempt to kill Hercules when he was sailing away from Troy after sacking the city. Zeus became so angry that he seized her, hung her from the sky with golden chains, and attached heavy anvils to her feet. She wept in pain all night, but none of the other gods dared to interfere. Hephaestus tried to release his mother from her humiliating position, for which Zeus threw him out of heaven and his leg was broken by the fall. Hera's weeping kept Zeus up, so the following morning, he agreed to release her if she swore never to rebel again. She had little choice but to agree.
* The month of June is named after Hera's Roman counterpart, which is incidentally when many women choose to get married.
* Hera's Norse equivalent would be Frigg.