Greek mythology
03. Hera and Zeus’s marriage
Hera, the goddess of marriage and family, was the sister and wife of Zeus, the king of the gods. Their marriage was not just a union of two powerful deities but also a significant event that shaped the dynamics of the Olympian gods. Zeus was known for his numerous love affairs, but his relationship with Hera, the queen of the gods, was particularly complex and tumultuous.
Their story begins in the early days of the world, when the gods were still establishing their dominion over the cosmos. Hera, the daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, was known for her beauty, wisdom, and regal bearing. In the early days of the cosmos, Mount Olympus stood as the majestic home of the gods, a place of unparalleled beauty and power. Zeus often roamed the heavens, overseeing the world and its inhabitants.
One day, as he wandered through the celestial realms, his eyes fell upon a radiant figure on Mount Olympus. It was Hera, who exuded an aura of grace and majesty. Hera was tending to the sacred gardens of Olympus, her presence illuminating the surroundings with divine light. Zeus was immediately captivated by her beauty and the serene strength she embodied. He watched as Hera moved gracefully among the flowers, her every gesture filled with elegance. Zeus, who had seen countless goddesses and mortals, found something uniquely compelling about Hera. Her beauty was not just physical; it was a reflection of her inner strength and wisdom.
As he continued to observe her, Zeus felt a powerful desire to know her, to be close to her. He approached Hera, disguising his true intentions with charm and respect. Hera, aware of Zeus’s numerous affairs, was wary of his advances. He spoke to her of the beauty of Olympus, the wonders of the cosmos, and the potential they had together. However, Hera saw through Zeus’s hidden intentions and left the garden without even glancing at him. Zeus realized that Hera was different from his other conquests.
Afterwards, Zeus approached Hera in various ways to win her love. He gifted Hera precious jewelry made of gold. These gifts were meant to show his wealth and generosity, hoping to win her favor. In another way, he created beautiful gardens filled with the most exquisite flowers and plants to impress Hera. He hoped that the beauty and tranquility of these gardens would soften her heart towards him. Or he performed numerous acts of heroism and bravery to impress Hera. He fought and defeated many formidable foes, demonstrating his strength and courage in hopes of winning her admiration. However, Hera was not easily swayed and resisted his advances. She was a goddess of immense power and dignity.
Zeus decided that he would win her heart, no matter the challenges he might face. He commissioned the construction of magnificent temples dedicated to Hera. These temples were adorned with beautiful sculptures and offerings, showcasing his reverence and devotion to her. His devotion never stopped. He performed numerous acts of kindness and mercy to humans and other gods to impress Hera. He believed that his good deeds would have a positive effect on him and win her favor. And Zeus created constellations in the night sky to honor Hera. He hoped this constellation would show his eternal love and respect for her.
Zeus spent several years trying to win Hera’s heart. Despite his many affairs, Zeus was determined to make Hera his queen. He knew he had to come up with a clever plan to win her heart. Zeus, known for his cunning and resourcefulness, devised a cunning plan to win Hera's affection. He transformed himself into a small, helpless cuckoo bird and flew to Hera’s garden.
The weather was stormy, and he flew to Hera’s window and pretended to be in distress, shivering in the cold. Hera, with her kind and nurturing nature, took pity on the poor bird and brought it into her home to warm it. As she held the cuckoo close to her chest, Zeus transformed back into his true form, revealing himself to Hera. He stood before her in all his divine glory, his eyes filled with love and determination. Hera was initially shocked and angry at Zeus’s deception. However, she couldn’t deny that she was somewhat moved by Zeus’s efforts to win her heart over the past several years.
Zeus pleaded with Hera, expressing his genuine love and admiration for her. He expressed his heartfelt desire to make her his queen. Hera demanded that he formally marry her, remain faithful only to her, and summon all the gods to declare her the Queen of the Gods. Zeus swore by the River Styx to fulfill all of Hera’s demands. Hera was persuaded by his words and persistence, and eventually agreed to marry Zeus.
The wedding of Hera and Zeus was one of the most magnificent events in Greek mythology. The ceremony took place on Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, where the entire pantheon gathered to celebrate. On their wedding day, Zeus declared his eternal love and commitment to Hera before all the gods. He vowed to respect and protect her, to love her forever, and declared that he would serve her as the queen of the gods. She vowed to be the guardian of marriage and family, ensuring their union’s sanctity. The gods celebrated their union with great feasts, blessing them with immortality and divine power.
Gaia, the earth goddess, gave Hera a tree that produced golden apples. The Hesperides, nymphs of the evening, were tasked with tending this tree. The nine Muses, daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, played instruments and sang, while the three Charites, daughters of Zeus and Eurynome, danced. The feast that followed was a grand affair, with tables laden with the finest foods and drinks. The gods and goddesses danced and rejoiced, their laughter echoing through the heavens.
Hera and Zeus, now united, took their thrones as the rulers of Olympus, their reign marked by both love and power. And they maintained a happy married life for 300 years on the island of Samos, Hera’s homeland.
Ps. Because Greco-Roman mythology contains many versions of the same story of the same character, the story you see in Roy's Box may not be the story you know. In Roy's Box, we list the full episodes in chronological order, and where possible, we've adapted non-contradictory versions.