Essay Sample about Hera the Greek Goddess

Hera, goddess of marriage and queen of the gods is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and is the sister to Zeus, Ares, and Hephaestus. According to the website “14 Interesting Facts about Hera” states that “Hera was born in Samos, but seconds after being born was swallowed by her father Cronus. Years later she was saved from her father's stomach by Zeus”. In the article, Hera was described as a very beautiful goddess with very pretty eyes and soft white skin.

Another website “Geary Schools - Greek Gods & Goddesses” tells us some interesting facts about Hera. It notes that her “sacred animal is the peacock”. Hera also has a symbol which is a “pomegranate”.  Some of the other things that the article talks about are Hera’s strengths and weaknesses. One of her most interesting strengths is that she is a “ Determined defender of the sanctity of marriage” while she has a weakness of marrying her brother Zeus. Even though Hera might seem like a very nice sweet goddess according to Ancient Greek Gods for Kids, Hera was very jealous of Zeus because she knew that he was unfaithful and it angered her. Zeus feared Hera because he knew that she could be very rude towards him sometimes. 

One of the very interesting myths about Hera that can be found in the article “The Beginnings — Loves of Zeus,” is Zeus tricking Hera into marrying him. The moment that Zeus meet Hera he fell in love with her but Hera had no intention of ever marrying him. Zeus came up with a plan so she would be forced to marry him. Zeus turned himself into a cuckoo bird and waited outside of Hera’s window while it was raining outside. Hera saw the bird and felt bad for it so she decided to help it, by letting the bird in.  Then Zeus transformed back to his human form. Zeus then raped her and out of embarrassment Hera had to marry him. 

I found Hera to be a very interesting goddess, because I could relate to her.  I believe that marriage is of great importance to society and so protesting it is necessary.  I also felt sorry for her, because she was tricked into a destructive relationship with her brother which brought her great pain.  Hera should be an inspiration to all girls to be strong in the face of adversity, and to never settle for less than they deserve. 

Works Cited 

“Ancient Greek Gods for Kids, Queen of the Gods - Hera & Juno - Ancient Greek & Roman Gods for Kids.” Mrdonn.org, 2019, greece.mrdonn.org/greekgods/hera.html.

“The Beginnings — Loves of Zeus.” Www.cliffsnotes.com, www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/m/mythology/summary-and-analysis-greek-mythology/the-beginnings-8212-loves-of-zeus#:~:text=When%20Hera%20took%20pity%20on. Accessed 1 Mar. 2022.

“Geary Schools - Greek Gods & Goddesses.” Gearyschools.org, 2013, www.gearyschools.org/vnews/display.v/TP/515babf44bd90.

“14 Interesting Facts about Hera, Queen of the Gods.” Athens and Beyond, 30 Oct. 2021, athensandbeyond.com/facts-about-hera-queen-of-the-gods/. Accessed 25 Feb. 2022.