About
This self-paced online course explores the complexity of Hera, the queen of Mount Olympus, celebrated for her power, wisdom, and enduring influence in myth and culture. The first part of the course examines Hera’s origins, her place in the Olympian pantheon, and her identity as goddess of marriage, women, and family. Students will trace the myths that shaped ancient understandings of her authority and her role as a central figure in Greek religion. The second section focuses on Hera’s unique ability to create life independently. By studying the theme of parthenogenesis as a symbol of autonomy, participants will reflect on how this power shaped her complex relationships with Zeus and the other gods. The final part of the course explores the cults and festivals dedicated to Hera throughout the Greek world. These rituals and traditions reveal how her worship influenced local customs, religious practice, and ideas of female power in the ancient Mediterranean. Comprehensive lectures provide both historical context and interpretive perspectives on Hera’s many roles. Curated readings from ancient texts and modern scholarship offer a multi-dimensional view of the goddess. Independent tasks and group discussions encourage critical thinking, allowing students to reflect on Hera’s significance in mythology, culture, and contemporary thought. By the end of the course, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of Hera’s myths, her rituals, and her lasting presence in art, literature, and philosophy. They will also consider how the formidable queen of the gods continues to shape ancient narratives and inspire modern conversations about gender, authority, and divine power.