The Goddess of Matrimony Around the World

Throughout history many cultures have maintained their own “goddess of matrimony.” If you’re a woman and about to be married, you may find the following information interesting as you begin your own journey down the path of the matrimonial experience.

Hera – Greece’s Answer to Marriage and All Its Mysteries

Greece’s “goddess of matrimony” was Hera, the wife and interestingly, also the sister, of Zeus. These two were the ultimate power pair in the world of ancient Greek mythology with Hera as Queen, and Zeus as King.

Hera, however, had a jealous streak, it seems – and for good reason. Zeus apparently had fooled around with, among many others, a mere-mortal woman named “Alcmene.” The offspring of that illicit union was none other than Hercules, who, despite his many feats, paid a price for being the illegitimate product of Zeus’ indiscreet philandering.

Hera persecuted Hercules relentlessly throughout his life. But Hera’s other role, other than playing chief thorn-in-the-side of Hercules, was as the protector of women, punishing errant husbands and guarding women during childbirth.

Juno – Rome’s Version of Hera

The Romans incorporated Greek gods and goddesses, including the goddess of matrimony, directly into their own culture. Replace the names of all the characters above (with the exception of Hercules) with those of Juno (Hera), Jupiter (Zeus), and Io (Alcmene), and you have basically the same story but with different actions. Regardless of her rightfully felt jealousy, Juno maintained her status as head benefactor of women and the overseer of childbirth.

It seems ironic, however, that for both the Greeks and the Romans, their goddess of matrimony had so many troubles in her own marriage! Perhaps it was thought in those days that marriage was more of a “woman thing” and men were only around for the “fun” part – the conception part of reproduction? One can only wonder. …

Other Goddesses of Matrimony from Around the World

Among the ancient Finnish people, “Frigga” – sometimes known as “Fricka,” “Frigg,” and other similarly spelled names that all at least begin with an “F” – held the duties of goddess of matrimony and motherhood. Her husband was Odin, the head honcho in Norwegian mythology. Another marriage and motherhood goddess was the Slavic Jijinla, who was routinely prayed to on behalf of children, as well. Other female characters that played this role include Kilya of ancient Peru, who also presided as moon goddess.

Many other mythological characters have held the goddess of matrimony title besides Hera, Juno, and Frigga (or Fricka): Aphrodite (another Grecian goddess), Hathor (Egyptian; married to Ra the sun god), and Hulda (Germany’s offering) all form a part of a multitude of goddesses responsible for the legal partnerships of male and female relationships.

Being Your Own Goddess

Today’s married woman must be her own goddess of matrimony. It’s up to you, dearie, to put the magic in your marriage – not some pie-in-the-sky ancient deity! But perhaps you’ll be luckier than the likes of Hera or Juno and your man won’t stray like they did. But if they do, you just might want to keep in mind those bolts of lightning that seemed always to be hand for such occasions!