The Greek goddess Hera (Juno to the Romans) was the daughter of the Titans (Giants) Cronus and Rheas. Soon after Hera’s birth, Cronus devoured her. Zeus rescued his sister from Cronus’ body and subsequently married her. Zeus and Hera had four children: Ares, Eileithyia, Hebe and Hephaestus. Hera found Hephaestus so ugly that she cast him from Mount Olympus, where the gods lived.
Hera was initially the protector of married women. Her own marriage included love and affection, but also strife and jealousy. Hera pursued her unfaithful husband, his lovers and his illegitimate children, with a fearful vengeance. Among her victims were Callisto, Leto and Heracles. As Zeus’ wife, Hera was also a powerful ruler of the sky and atmosphere. She is often depicted in her attempt to win the title ‘the most beautiful goddess’ (the Judgement of Paris), which she lost, however, to Aphrodite.
