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Hera - Queen of the Gods in Greek Mythology Hera

From N.S. Gill's Ancient/Classical History Glossary, for About.com

Hera Suckling the Baby Heracles. Apulian Red-Figure Squat Lekythos, c. 360-350, From Anzi.

Hera Suckling the Baby Heracles. Apulian Red-Figure Squat Lekythos, c. 360-350, From Anzi.

� Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons
Definition: In Greek mythology, the goddess Hera was queen of the gods and the wife of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Hera was goddess of marriage. Since Hera's husband was Zeus, king not only of gods, but of philanderers, Hera spent a lot of time in Greek mythology angry with Zeus. So Hera is described as jealous.

Hera's Jealousy

Hera persecuted Hercules because Zeus was his father, but another woman -- Alcmene -- was his mother. Hera persecuted many of the other women Zeus seduced, in one way or another.

Hera's Children

Hera was the normal biological mother of Hebe and Ares. Their father was her husband, Zeus. On her own, Hera gave birth to Hephaestus. Like brother Zeus, Hera's parents were Cronos and Rhea, who were Titans.

Roman Hera

In Roman mythology, the goddess Hera is known as Juno.

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Also Known As: Juno
Examples: The cow and peacock were animals sacred to Hera.

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