Who was Hera friends with? In Greek mythology, Hera was the queen of the gods and the wife of Zeus, the king of the gods. As the goddess of marriage and family, she was often depicted as a figure of grace and wisdom. Despite her royal status, Hera had several friends who were also divine beings, mortal heroes, and even mythical creatures. This article explores the various companions and allies of Hera in the world of Greek mythology.
Hera’s closest friend was her sister, Demeter, the goddess of the harvest and fertility. The two sisters were inseparable and shared a deep bond, often appearing together in various myths. Their friendship was characterized by mutual support and understanding, as they both faced challenges related to their divine roles.
Another significant friend of Hera was Athena, the goddess of wisdom, strategy, and warfare. Although Athena was the daughter of Zeus, she was raised by the mortal woman Metis, who was also a friend of Hera. Athena and Hera shared a close friendship, as they often collaborated in their respective domains. Their bond was further strengthened by their shared goal of protecting the interests of the gods and mortals.
Hera also had a friendship with Apollo, the god of the sun, music, and prophecy. Apollo was the son of Zeus and Leto, and he often sought Hera’s advice and support. In return, Hera provided Apollo with guidance and protection, particularly in his role as a divine seer. Their friendship was marked by mutual respect and a shared desire to maintain order in the world.
In addition to divine beings, Hera had several mortal friends. One of her closest mortal friends was Peleus, the father of Achilles. Hera was instrumental in the love story between Peleus and Thetis, the sea goddess. Despite the challenges that came with their union, Hera remained a steadfast friend to Peleus and Thetis throughout their lives.
Hera also had a friendship with the mortal hero Hercules. Although their relationship was often strained due to Hercules’ many quests and the resulting conflicts with Hera’s husband, Zeus, the two eventually forged a bond of mutual respect. Hercules sought Hera’s guidance and protection during his twelve labors, and she, in turn, provided him with support and assistance.
Lastly, Hera had a friendship with the mythical creature Pegasus, the winged horse. Pegasus was the offspring of Medusa and Poseidon, and he became a loyal companion to Bellerophon, the hero who tamed him. Hera, as the protector of Bellerophon, also became a friend to Pegasus. The three of them shared many adventures and formed a strong bond.
In conclusion, Hera had a diverse group of friends in Greek mythology, ranging from divine beings to mortal heroes and mythical creatures. Her friendships were characterized by loyalty, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to maintaining order and harmony in the world. These friendships not only highlight Hera’s complex personality but also contribute to the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.
