Hera and Aphrodite

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Hera and Aphrodite. Two goddesses on two sides of the Trojan War. Both of them have their own personalities, and their own agendas. The two of them do have certain similarities. Both Hera and Aphrodite seem to believe in the cause they are fighting for. They do, however have very different ways about getting what they want. In The Illiad, both of these goddesses are on the opposing sides (as I stated before). Hera fights on the side of the Acheans, where Aphrodite has taken sides with the Trojans.

According to Edith Hamilton, it all starts when King Peleus marries Thetis a sea nymph. All the gods are in attendance, except for Eris, who was for some reason not invited. Eris is angry and decides to create an argument during the festivities. So she sends a golden apple to the banquet with the simple inscription “For the Fairest”. Of course all the goddesses believe that the apple is for them and an argument does ensue. Eventually three finalists are selected among the goddesses. One of them is Athena, and the other two are Hera and Aphrodite. An impartial judge is selected in Paris, who is the son of Priam, the king of Troy. In order to make sure that they are chosen as the most beautiful, each of the three goddesses bribe Paris so that he will pick them. Athena offers him success in battle, Hera offers royal power (which to me doesn’t make much sense, since he is already a prince of Troy, unless of course she means over the entire world), and Aphrodite offers him the most beautiful girl in the world. Paris chooses Aphrodite and in turn receives Helen as his prize. From here the Trojan War begins.

I believe that the sides are decided because of this contest. Aphrodite sides with the Trojans, because Paris is on that side. It ma...

... middle of paper ...

...in her, she becomes angry. And when Artemis attempts to make him join the fighting, once again, Hera attacks. This time she takes Artemis’ bow and fires it at her, then she boxes her ears until she submits. Again we see the violent side of Hera when she does not get what she wants.

Hera and Aphrodite, two goddesses that represent similar aspects of life, love and marriage, though two very different people. Hera has a hair trigger temper and will do anything for her cause and destroy anyone, be they god or mortal, who stands in her way. Aphrodite is a very caring a peaceful goddess who would rather protect and run than get into a conflict. They fight on opposite sides, they seem to be the ying and yang. I believe that if their personalities were merged that they would create a very balanced individual. Yet apart, I am surprised they survived as long as they did.

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