Hera

introduction

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.

origins

Birth and Early Life According to mythology, Hera was swallowed by her father Kronos along with her siblings due to a prophecy that one of his children would overthrow him. She spent much of her early life undigested in Kronos’ stomach until Zeus orchestrated a rescue plan that led to their release. This backstory establishes Hera’s significance among the Olympian gods and sets up her complex relationship with Zeus. Marriage to Zeus In both mythology and the Percy Jackson series, Hera’s marriage to Zeus is central to her identity. Despite being deeply in love with him initially, she becomes embittered by his numerous infidelities throughout their union. This aspect of their relationship adds depth to Hera’s character as she grapples with feelings of jealousy and betrayal while still embodying the ideals of marriage and familial loyalty. Role in Percy Jackson Series Within Rick Riordan’s works, particularly in “The Titan’s Curse” and “The Battle of the Labyrinth,” Hera plays a significant role as a supporting character. She votes for Percy Jackson and Thalia Grace to live during a critical moment at the Winter Solstice, showcasing her protective instincts towards demigods despite her complicated feelings toward heroes. Additionally, she aids Percy and his friends during their quests by providing guidance and assistance when needed. Hera’s character evolves throughout the series; while she retains some jealous tendencies typical of her mythological portrayal, she also demonstrates moments of kindness and support towards other characters. Her interactions often reflect a motherly concern for family dynamics among both gods and demigods.

personality

Regal and Authoritative: Hera embodies the qualities of a queen. She is aware of her duties and often looks at the big picture concerning her family and the Olympian order. This regal demeanor allows her to take decisive actions to maintain harmony among the gods, such as when she resolved tensions over Aphrodite’s arrival by marrying her off to Hephaestus. Jealous and Vengeful: One of Hera’s most prominent traits is her jealousy, particularly regarding Zeus’s infidelities. Her anger towards his numerous affairs leads her to act vengefully against his mistresses and illegitimate children. This aspect of her personality is evident in stories where she attempts to harm heroes like Hercules due to his connection with Zeus. Temperamental: Hera has a fierce temper that can be intimidating even to Zeus himself. Her infamous temper was so pronounced that Rhea sent her away to live with Oceanus and Tethys until she learned to control it. When provoked or insulted, Hera can react with extreme anger, as seen when she cursed Annabeth Chase for disrespecting her. Caring but Flawed Mother Figure: Despite being a goddess who represents motherhood, Hera struggles with feelings of inadequacy regarding her children. She has no demigod offspring despite desiring them, which adds complexity to her character. Her relationship with Hephaestus is particularly strained; after rejecting him due to his appearance, she later feels guilt over this act of cruelty.

personality

Manipulative Yet Strategic: Hera often employs manipulation as a means to achieve her goals or protect those she cares about. For instance, she orchestrates plans behind the scenes during critical events like the Trojan War or when dealing with demigods like Jason Grace and Leo Valdez. Growth Over Time: Throughout the series, there are indications that Hera evolves as a character. While initially portrayed as vindictive and harsh, moments reveal a more vulnerable side where she expresses regret over past actions or acknowledges the complexities of being married to Zeus.

physical Appearance

In The Titan's Curse, Hera was described as a supremely beautiful woman with silver hair braided over one shoulder. She wore a dress that shimmered with colors like peacock feathers. She was even said to be the loveliest, fairest and most beautiful goddess in all creation before the birth of Aphrodite. In The Battle of the Labyrinth, Hera was described to be tall and graceful, with long chocolate-colored hair braided in plaits with gold ribbons, eyes that shone with power, and a sunny smile. She wore a simple white dress that shimmered with colors like oil on water when she moved. In The Lost Hero, Hera was 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 jewelry. She was dressed in an elegant white gown. In The Blood of Olympus, Hera assumed her true original Greek form and rode in a chariot pulled by enormous peacocks with rainbow-colored plumage so bright that "it gave the spins". According to Percy Jackson's Greek Gods, She has long licorice-black hair; large, soft brown eyes that one could get lost in; and a face of regal and unapproachable beauty like that of a supermodel. In Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes, Hera appeared before Psyche in a glowing white gown, a cloak of peacock feathers over her shoulders, and a staff topped with a lotus flower. When she transformed back into her true shape before Jason, Hera wore a gold crown, a flowing white dress, and a belt of peacock feathers. The inconsistencies in Hera's physical description throughout the novels could be attributed to the fact that, as a goddess, she has the ability to assume any shape she desired. But she always retains her regal beauty and queenly grace no matter what physical manifestation she adopts.

family members

Kronos (father) Rhea (mother) Oceanus (foster father/uncle) Tethys (foster mother/aunt) Hestia and Demeter (sisters) Hades and Poseidon (brothers) Chiron, Aphros and Bythos (paternal half-brothers) Zeus (brother/husband) Enyo, Eileithyia and Hebe (daughters) Ares, Hephaestus and Angelos (sons) Argus (creation) Krios, Iapetus, Hyperion, Arges, Brontes, Steropes, Cottus, Gyges, Briares and Typhon (uncles) Theia, Themis, Phoebe, Mnemosyne and Aphrodite (aunts) Deimos, Eros, Phobos, Deimos, Eurytion, Theban Drakon, Diomedes of Thrace, Edward Teach, William H. Seward, Charles Beckendorf, Jake Mason, Leo Valdez, Paolo Montes and Harley (grandsons) Harmonia, Hippolyta, Penthesilea and Clarisse La Rue (granddaughters) Ares' Cabin members, Hebe's Cabin and Hephaestus' Cabin members (grandchildren)