Hera's hatred of Zeus stemmed primarily from his numerous infidelities and the resulting illegitimate children. While Zeus fathered countless children with both goddesses and mortals, Hera's rage was particularly intense and focused.
Hera's Jealousy and Infidelity
Hera, the queen of the Olympian gods, was deeply angered by Zeus's constant betrayals. His affairs were not merely a matter of casual flirtations; they resulted in a multitude of offspring, often with mortal women. This constant infidelity deeply wounded Hera's pride and challenged her position as his wife and queen. The reference explicitly mentions Zeus's affair with Alcmene as a significant trigger for Hera's anger, but this was far from an isolated incident.
Examples of Zeus's Infidelity:
- Alcmene: The affair leading to Heracles (Hercules) birth is explicitly noted as a source of Hera's ire.
- Numerous Other Affairs: Zeus's infidelity was prolific and spanned both the divine and mortal realms, further fueling Hera's resentment.
The Focus on Heracles
While Zeus's infidelity was widespread, the reference highlights Hera's particular focus on Heracles. Though the reasons for this are not explicitly stated in the reference, it is likely due to a combination of factors: Heracles’s exceptional strength and heroic status may have been seen by Hera as a constant reminder of Zeus's prowess and her own inability to produce such a powerful son. The intensity of Hera's persecution of Heracles speaks volumes about her deep-seated anger towards Zeus.
Conclusion
Hera's hatred for Zeus was primarily fueled by his extensive infidelity and the numerous children born from these extramarital affairs. The reference details Zeus's affair with Alcmene as a key point, but it underscores that this was just one example among many that intensified Hera's deep-seated jealousy and anger.
