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Greek mythology deities: Hera

Zeus occasionally did tie her up to Mount Olympus with anvils tied to her feet.

There are though acts of kindness. Jason would not have retrieved the Golden Fleece without the assistance of Hera, although it was also an act of revenge against Pelias for committing murder in one of Hera's temples. Kindness was also bestowed on Cydippe, a priestess of Hera, her sons were ordained to die in their sleep, after showing devotion to their mother and Hera. The two sons, Biton and Cleobis, had pulled a cart 8 kilometres to a festival in the goddess' honour.

Hera is always portrayed as a solemn and majestic goddess, normally residing on a throne with a polos' (tall crown) on her head. Primarily though Hera is thought of as a Cow Goddess, though the symbolism is rather a maternal cow, than the Minotaur image normally reserved for Greek mythology. Hera is also closely associated with pomegranates, as an emblem of marriage, fertile blood and death, closely associated with her role as matriarch. In addition Hera was also closely linked with peacocks, from Argus and the one hundred eyes, to the fact that Hera's wagon is usually identified as being pulled by the birds.

Hera was certainly the most powerful female figure in Greek mythology, although some observers still view this as a demotion from her former position as the all powerful God. She has though always been portrayed as a stern and solemn figure with a highly jealous nature, although this can be justified by Zeus' actions, whilst acts of kindness are normally over shadowed. Despite this she was widely worshipped, with some great temples built in her honour, with her image being transferred to other religions including Egyptian and Roman.

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