Woman in Greek/Roman Mythology Feb. 1-2.

 Woman in Greek/Roman Mythology Feb. 1-2.

**Hera** was unable to avenge herself for Zeus’ slights because she was subjugated by the divine hierarchy and fearful of Zeus’ power. On one occasion, Hera attempted to overthrow Zeus with the help of some of the other gods, but the plot failed. In retaliation, Zeus tormented and terrified Hera so much that she never attempted to overthrow him again.

**“He hung up Juno [Hera] from the wheeling sky and showed to her chaos in its horror and the doom of the abyss.”**

**(Valerius Flaccus, Argonautica 2.82)**

Hera had no power to escape this bond, because, for her and Zeus, marriage was eternal, and it was the custom that only the man could decide to divorce his wife in ancient Greece. Another factor influencing the partnership was that if Zeus and Hera were to divorce, Hera would lose her status and power as Queen of Olympus. Thus, she was dependent on his power for her own. As a result, despite the volatile nature of their relationship, Hera was bound to Zeus forever.

**In the context of the history of feminism, Hera’s example illustrates that society was structured in such a way that women were dependent on their husbands and often helpless to change the dynamic.**

**Hera’s rape also demonstrates that women were seen as sexual objects to exploit.**

Jupiter and Juno on Mount Ida, c.1804

James Barry, (1741 – 1806), Irish