Summary of "The Greek Gods Must Have A Queen: HERA Mythology (w/ Jennifer Saint)"

Summary of The Greek Gods Must Have A Queen: HERA Mythology (w/ Jennifer Saint)

This video is an interview between Erica (host of Moan Inc) and Jennifer Saint, author of the novel Hera, a Greek mythology retelling centered on the goddess Hera. The discussion covers Jennifer’s approach to writing the book, Hera’s characterization, mythological context, and connections to Jennifer’s other works. The interview is split into two parts: a non-spoiler section and a spoiler section.

Main Ideas and Concepts

1. About the Book Hera

Jennifer Saint’s Hera is a mythological novel focusing on Hera, traditionally one of the most divisive and polarizing Greek goddesses.
The novel spans millennia and various settings: Mount Olympus, mortal cities, mythical locations.
Hera is portrayed beyond the usual jealous wife trope, emphasizing her role as the goddess of marriage and her complexity.
The story attempts to shift readers’ perceptions of Hera by exploring her motivations, power, and perspective on the myths.

2. Why Hera?

Hera appears in nearly every Greek myth, often as a peripheral or antagonistic figure, making her a unique lens to view Greek mythology.
Jennifer was drawn to Hera because of the breadth of myths she appears in and the opportunity to tell her story from a new perspective.
Hera’s role as goddess of marriage is central to understanding her character and actions throughout the novel.

3. Plotting and Scope

Jennifer knew the start (Titanomachy) and the end (Zeus turned to stone) before writing.
The biggest challenge was deciding which myths to include or cut, as many stories about Hera serve similar narrative purposes.
Hera is portrayed as a living, evolving character, unlike the fixed archetypes typical of Greek gods.
The narrative explores Hera’s feelings about her role and the constraints imposed on her.

4. Characterization of Hera

Hera is shown as a warrior queen and mother of monsters, not just a jealous wife.
The novel starts with Hera fighting a giant, highlighting her strength and regal nature.
Hera’s anger is depicted as corrosive and poisonous, linked to serpentine and venomous imagery.
She is a survivor, shaped by trauma, betrayal, and a toxic marriage with Zeus.
Hera’s jealousy is reframed as an insult to her role and dignity rather than petty envy.
Her gradual growth includes developing empathy for mortals, whom she initially views as insignificant.

5. Other Characters

Hephaestus (Hias): Portrayed as strong, patient, and an anchor in the volatile Olympian family despite being seen as weak or inferior.
Hestia: Represents stability and balance, choosing to sidestep power struggles.
Metis: Introduced early as Zeus’s first wife, whose story introduces themes of power, foresight, and Zeus’s ruthlessness.
Other mythological figures like Io, Leto, Dionysus, and Echo are explored, showing Hera’s complex interactions with them.

6. Themes and Motifs

Origins and impact of patriarchy on gods and mortals.
Power dynamics within the Olympian family.
The necessity and pain of survival and adaptation.
The gods’ dependence on human belief for their power and existence.
The tension between divine immortality and human-like flaws.

7. Writing Style and Inspirations

Jennifer’s writing is lyrical and rhythmic, with musical and atmospheric influences.
For Hera, she listened to storm sounds and dramatic classical music to set the tone.
Taylor Swift’s songs, especially “would have could have should have,” inspired the emotional and dark themes.

8. Spoiler Section Highlights

The division of the world among Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades is questioned as a patriarchal construct.
Hera’s complex relationship with her family and her “monster” children provides her solace and a sense of belonging.
The novel holds Hera accountable for her actions without whitewashing her flaws.
The hardest scene to write was Hera’s violent encounter with Echo, reflecting Hera’s abuse of power.
The ending, with Zeus turned to stone, symbolizes the decline of the old patriarchal gods and the rise of mortals who no longer need them.
Hera’s growth culminates in a quiet but profound acceptance of change and letting go, especially seen in her relationship with Hephaestus.

9. Connection to Other Works

Hera contains Easter eggs and references to Jennifer’s other Greek mythology retellings (Ariadne, Electra, Atalanta), creating a shared universe.
Maintaining consistency across books is both exciting and challenging.

10. Author’s Message

Jennifer hopes readers stop viewing Hera solely as Zeus’s jealous wife and recognize her as a multifaceted goddess with her own agency, power, and story.

Methodology / Key Points on Writing Hera

Starting and ending points: Begin with Titanomachy, end with Zeus turned to stone.
Cutting myths: Select stories that best serve Hera’s narrative arc, avoiding redundancy.
Character coherence: Portray Hera as a developing character rather than a fixed archetype.
Themes: Explore patriarchy, power, survival, and transformation.
Tone and mood: Use atmospheric sounds and music to inspire writing.
Accountability: Do not whitewash Hera’s flaws; present her as a complex, morally gray figure.
Interconnected storytelling: Integrate references to other mythological retellings for a cohesive universe.
Emotional depth: Focus on Hera’s internal struggles, growth, and relationships, especially with marginalized figures like Hephaestus and monsters.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Erica: Host of Moan Inc, interviewer.
Jennifer Saint: Author of Hera and other Greek mythology retellings (Ariadne, Electra, Atalanta).
References to:
- Nikki Marmur: Author of Lilith (mentioned in context of patriarchy and demonization of female figures).
- Sarah C: Non-fiction author on female demons (mentioned as a suggested interview).
- Terry Pratchett: Author of Discworld series, especially Small Gods (inspiration for the ending concept).

This interview offers a deep dive into Jennifer Saint’s creative process, thematic intentions, and the nuanced portrayal of Hera, challenging traditional myths and inviting readers to reconsider one of Greek mythology’s most misunderstood figures.