Hera, the queen of the gods in Greek mythology, is known for her intense jealousy towards her husband Zeus and his numerous extramarital affairs. Many sources describe her as a very jealous wife, even noting that Zeus, despite his fearlessness, feared her wrath. This jealousy stemmed from her belief in her status as Zeus's sole and rightful wife and her resentment towards his many mistresses and the resulting illegitimate children.
Hera's Jealousy: A Deep Dive
Hera's jealousy is a prominent theme throughout Greek literature and mythology. Her reactions to Zeus's infidelities often involved vengeful acts against the women involved and even their offspring. This behavior solidified her reputation as a spiteful and vindictive goddess. For example, the Britannica entry notes that she "pursuing with vindictive hatred the heroines who were beloved by him." This wasn't limited to mortal women; even divine beings who caught Zeus's eye became targets of Hera's anger, as evidenced by her jealousy towards Metis, mother of Athena, as highlighted in a Quora response. The D'Aulaires, referenced in a Review of Books article, simply state that she "was a very jealous wife. Even Zeus, who was afraid of nothing, feared her..."
Several sources highlight different aspects of Hera's jealousy:
- Her position as queen: Hera believed she held supreme status as Zeus's wife, and other women encroaching on that position triggered her jealousy.
- Zeus's numerous affairs: The sheer number of Zeus's liaisons and illegitimate children fueled Hera's resentment.
- Vengeful actions: Hera's actions weren't just jealous outbursts; they were calculated and vengeful, harming those she perceived as threats.
Despite her infamous jealousy, it's important to note that Hera's role was significantly more complex than just being a vengeful wife. She was a powerful goddess, holding considerable influence and responsibilities in the Olympian pantheon.
