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The Divine Dynamics: Myths of Zeus and Hera in Greek Mythology

Explore the intricate relationship between Zeus and Hera, the king and queen of the Greek pantheon. This chapter uncovers the conflicting characteristics of Zeus, from a wise ruler to a tyrant, and Hera's demotion from earth-mother to wife. Delve into their marriage, conflicts, and offspring, including notable Olympians. Discover themes of anthropomorphism and the portrayal of gods with human-like traits, along with the role of fate in this rich tapestry of myth. Unravel the complexities of their reign atop Mount Olympus and their impact on broader mythology.

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The Divine Dynamics: Myths of Zeus and Hera in Greek Mythology

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Chapter Six Myths of the Immortals : Zeus and Hera

  2. Zeus and Hera • Cronos’ myth contradictory: • a tyran or wise ruler of the Golden Age • Six children of Cronos and Rhea are the first Olympians: • Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Hestia, Hades • (Aphrodite born of his severed genitals in one version of her birth)

  3. Zeus and Hera • All except Hades lived on Olympus • There will be a total of 12 – or 13 or 14 – Olympians • Zeus is the great father/king of this court of gods and goddesses

  4. Zeus and Hera

  5. Zeus, Lord of the Sky • Indo-European sky god (di-) • Like Tiu (Germanic) in Tuesday; Dyspater - Jupiter • Lived in the mountains (Olympus, Mt. Ida near Troy) and brought storms (his thunderbolt) • By far the most powerful of the gods

  6. Zeus, Lord of the Sky • Symbol of his power is the aigis • Animals are the bull and the eagle • Guardian of justice (the way) • Protector of xenia • But was not more powerful than fate (?) • Sarpedon

  7. Zeus, Lord of the Sky • Zeus the sky-god acquires features of the male, fertility consort of the earth-mother • Crete – the tomb of Zeus? • Hera, an original earth-mother, is “demoted” to be his wife. • Original wife (Dione from north)? • Through sexual generation, he structures the world

  8. Zeus, Lord of the Sky • Metis “cleverness” – Athena • strength and judgment • Themis “established law”– • Horae (Eirenê, Eunomiê, Dikê) • Moerae (fates) (Clotho, Lachesis, Atropos) • Mnemosyne “memory”– 9 Muses • Dione “shinning one” -- Aphrodite

  9. Zeus, Lord of the Sky • Zeus and Ganymede • Zeus takes on many aspects of a Greek aristocrat, such as pederasty

  10. Hera, Queen of Heaven

  11. Hera, Queen of Heaven • Marriage, sexuality, fertility • Her children with Zeus • Eileithyia, Hebe, Ares • Mother of Hephaestus (?) • Other versions of Hephaestus’s birth • Hera alone • born or made lame?

  12. Hera, Queen of Heaven • Some of the most magnificent temples are to her (a Heraeum) • Argos (Argives) • Persecuted Zeus’s paramours and sometimes their offspring • Heracles “glory of Hera” • Join a temporary rebellion with Poseidon and Athena

  13. Zeus and Hera at Home on Olympus • A tempestuous marriage • The scene between Thetis at Zeus from the Iliad shows Zeus walked on egg shells to avoid irritating Hera • Hephaestus, their children intervenes to stop the fight

  14. Anthropomorphism • Gods are humanshaped and humanlike, an inheritance perhaps from Mesopotamian traditions • They eat and drink (special divine substances to be sure).

  15. Anthropomorphism • They laugh, get angry and jealous, and can even be wounded. • Anthropomorphism makes interesting narrative and great myths

  16. Anthropomorphism • Hundreds of other minor deities flesh out the world • Nymphs, Nereids, Oceanids, etc.

  17. End

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