Women and Hercules

Some of the most influential people in Hercules' life were women, both mortals and goddesses. At nearly every turn, it seems, a woman was there, either to help or to hinder him.

Munich 2301, Attic bilingual amphora
Hercules feasting, with Athena.
Photograph copyright Staatl. Antikensammlungen und Glyptothek, München

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To read more about women in Greek society, see Further Resources.

• Hera, Queen of the Gods
• Athena, Goddess of Wisdom
• Megara, Hercules' First Wife
• Omphale, the Barbarian Queen
• Deianira, Hercules' Second Wife
• Hebe, Cup-bearer of the Gods

This exhibit is a subset of materials from the Perseus Project digital library and is copyrighted. Please send us your comments.