Myths featuring Hera's central role:
* The Birth of Athena: Hera was jealous of Zeus's affair with Metis, who was destined to bear children who would overthrow him. To prevent this, Zeus swallowed Metis whole. However, Athena was already conceived and emerged from Zeus's head fully grown.
* The Trials of Heracles: Hera relentlessly persecuted Heracles, the son of Zeus and a mortal woman, because of her jealousy. She sent snakes to his cradle, drove him mad, and even caused his wife's death.
* The Judgment of Paris: Hera, along with Athena and Aphrodite, offered Paris a bribe to judge who was the fairest goddess. Hera offered him power, but Paris chose Aphrodite's promise of the most beautiful woman in the world, leading to the Trojan War.
* The Kidnapping of Ganymede: Zeus abducted the beautiful Trojan prince Ganymede to be his cupbearer, angering Hera who punished the Trojans for their part in this.
* The Myth of Io: Zeus fell in love with Io, a priestess of Hera. To hide his affair, he turned Io into a cow. Hera, however, was suspicious and sent a gadfly to torment Io, leading to her long and arduous journey.
Myths featuring Hera in a supporting role:
* The Birth of Aphrodite: Hera's rage at the birth of Aphrodite, born from the foam of the sea after Cronus castrated Uranus, is a prominent theme in many myths.
* The Trojan War: Hera sided with the Greeks in the Trojan War due to her hatred for Paris and Troy, as she was furious over the Judgement of Paris.
* The Myth of Prometheus: Hera is said to have helped Zeus punish Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity.
Other notable appearances:
* The creation of the seasons: Hera is associated with spring, fertility, and marriage.
* The goddess of marriage and women: Hera's role as the protector of marriage is central to many myths.
* The goddess of childbirth and motherhood: Although not as prominent as Demeter, Hera is also connected to childbirth and motherhood.
These are just some of the many myths that involve Hera. Her complex character and powerful influence continue to make her a captivating figure in Greek mythology.