The Iliad Hera Character Analysis

In Homer’s world, women, specifically the Greek goddesses, are as much caring and nurturing as they are battle-hardened. When necessary, the women in The Iliad are able to use their natural charm or cunning in order to further their agenda. Hera, being a prime example of this, consistently shows her ability to feign a docile nature in order to distract from her crafty plans. However, there is a drastic distinction between the mortal and immortal women of The Iliad. Although most women in The Iliad play a vital role in the plot, the immortal women play a direct role while mortal women affect the plot indirectly. In particular, Hera directly plays a vital role in the plot and she is typical in Homer’s World but atypical in the real word. That being said, the women in Homer’s world are not helpless and fragile like the ones depicted in our modern world. The typical woman in Homer’s world would be one that does not submit or lay down without a fight. In Homer’s The Iliad Hera challenges Zeus’ authority amongst all the gods, hoodwinks Zeus by physical means, and Hera also sends other goddesses in an effort to support the Greeks.
Not only does Hera support her marked characteristics with actions, but also rhetoric. …show more content…
In this instance, Hera is using her power to delegate the responsibilities of other immortals. In fact, it can be said that at times like this, Hera is the most powerful being on Olympus. She is the most involved with the war and she ousts Zeus multiple times. In book 18, Hera sends Iris to call Achilles to action. Although he does not have his armor, he can still appear on the battlefield and send the Trojans back in fear. This will buy the Greeks time and give them a “second wind.” With the Greek’s backs against the wall, Hera is the reason that they are getting a breather while Achilles prepares to take charge on the