Abstract
Hera, daughter of Cronus and Rhea (mother of Zeus), was associated with all aspects of the life of women. The goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth, she was known by the Romans as Juno. Homer gave Hera the epithet “ox-eyed” because of her large full eyes and described her as tall and striking. Hera was both sister and wife of Zeus, with whom she reigned on Mount Olympus. She was noted for her resistance to the authority of Zeus and for her jealousy and hatred of his many lovers and other wives. By Hera, Zeus had a son and two daughters—Ares (god of war), Hebe (goddess of youth), and Ilithyria (goddess of birth). Hera is prominent in the tale of the judgment of Paris (Prince of Troy), although it was Eris (Discord) who instigated the action. When she alone of the gods and goddesses was not invited to the marriage of Peleus and Thetis (parents of Achilles), Eris threw among the guests a golden apple inscribed, “For the Most Beautiful.” Hera, Athena (daughter of Zeus and goddess of war), and Aphrodite (goddess of love) all claimed it. Zeus then assigned the decision to Paris, who was the handsomest at the feast. Each goddess offered Paris a bribe: Hera offered sovereignty, Athena offered conquest, and Aphrodite offered the most beautiful woman for his wife. He accepted Aphrodite's offer and so caused the Trojan War, during which Hera assisted the Greeks. Hera is featured on this stamp issued by Crete in 1900.
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