Hera

Part of speech: proper noun, noun

Definitions

  1. The Queen of the Olympian gods in Greek myth, the wife and sister of the chief god Zeus, and a deity associated with marriage and women | a representation of this goddess in art or literature | a female figure symbolizing power or majesty
  2. A powerful goddess from Greek mythology, known as spouse and sibling of Zeus, as a divine patron of marriage and women, and as an archetype in religious and artistic contexts | an image or statue of this goddess | a symbol for female authority
  3. In ancient Greek stories, the principal goddess married to Zeus who protected marital unions and women, was portrayed in many works, and is invoked as a symbol of feminine sovereignty | a legendary queenly being | a role model for female empowerment

Etymology: The name "Hera" originates from ancient Greek mythology, where she is known as the queen of the gods and the wife of Zeus. This figure embodies marriage, women, childbirth, and family, making her one of the most significant deities in the Greek pantheon. The earliest references to Hera appear in Homeric epics from around the 8th century BCE, where she is portrayed both as a powerful goddess and a sometimes jealous wife. The name itself carries a weight of divine authority and regal dignity, reflective of her status among the Olympians. Etymologically, Hera's name is believed to derive from the Greek word "hēra," which may be related to "hēros," meaning "hero" or "warrior," though the exact derivation remains uncertain. Some scholars suggest it might link to terms meaning "protectress" or "lady," fitting her role as a protector of women and marriage. The name was well established in ancient Greek religious and cultural contexts, and it passed into Latin unchanged as Hera, preserving its classical resonance. The figure of Hera has influenced many modern uses, from astronomy—where a moon of the planet Jupiter is named after her—to literature and art, where she often symbolizes the complexities of marriage and feminine power. Despite the ancient roots, the name continues to evoke the blend of authority, devotion, and sometimes tempestuous emotion that characterized the goddess in myth.

Synonyms: queen of gods, Greek goddess, wife of Zeus