The Reconciliation of Zeus and Hera (NuclearConsensus)
NuclearConsensus
Herald of the Thorned One
- Location
- the Philippines
I, Timanthes son of Thymoetes, am greatly honored by the attention that my fellow citizens have lavished upon my tale. Thus, it is with great pleasure that I present to you all, the final draft of:
The Reconciliation of Zeus and Hera
Zeus, tired of Hera's nagging, once more leaves Olympus for the mortal lands to seek another lover. He has not yet even begun his search, however, when he hears a clamor coming from Olympus. Thus he turns back, in order to find out the source of the commotion.
Upon returning to Olympus, Zeus finds that the realm of the gods has descended into chaos, half-revelry and half-battle. Aghast, Zeus seeks out Hestia for even a semblance of an explanation for the madness. Hestia says that Hera, who keeps order in Olympus when Zeus is absent as Queen of the Gods, has gone away to a destination unknown. After restoring order to his household, Zeus commands all the other Olympians to go out in search of his missing wife.
It is Artemis who finds her, hidden in a cave in Italy, close to where Furthest Eretria was founded. She tells Zeus that Hera refuses to leave the cave for any reason but would not tell Artemis why. Hearing this, all the gods begin a competition to draw Hera from her cave, having experienced the disorder that comes from her absence. None of their methods work, however. When everyone else has had their turn, Hestia speaks to Zeus of a plan she devised. Zeus, in disguise as Hestia and wearing her shawl, will enter the cave and attempt to speak with Hera and discover why she has secluded herself. However, for the disguise to work, Zeus must shave off his beard. Zeus agrees to the plan and shaves his beard, saying "What are a few paltry hairs to me, compared to the favor of my wife?"
Inside, Zeus finds Hera, alone and miserable. Prompted by Zeus under the guise of Hestia, Hera laments how all her brothers and sisters are in happy marriages, while she, the very goddess of marriage, languishes in her "union" with her boorish husband. Moved, Zeus tells his wife of the chaos that ensued in Olympus following her absence, noting that she is not only the goddess of marriage, but also Queen of the Gods. Her place will always be above her subjects, and beside her king. With that, Zeus sheds his disguise. Hera is taken by surprise at this revelation, and doubts the truth in his words. Zeus assures her that all he said is true, and that what he will say next is also true: no longer will Cronides search for another bride, not when the queen of brides is his. They share a happy moment.
Finally convinced, Hera leaves the cave hand-in-hand with Zeus. Together, they revel and admire the gods' handiwork in attempting to bring her out. In their first act as a strengthened couple, Zeus and Hera bless the cave and the fields and mountains that surround it with much bounty before departing with the other gods back to Olympus.
Upon returning to Olympus, Zeus finds that the realm of the gods has descended into chaos, half-revelry and half-battle. Aghast, Zeus seeks out Hestia for even a semblance of an explanation for the madness. Hestia says that Hera, who keeps order in Olympus when Zeus is absent as Queen of the Gods, has gone away to a destination unknown. After restoring order to his household, Zeus commands all the other Olympians to go out in search of his missing wife.
It is Artemis who finds her, hidden in a cave in Italy, close to where Furthest Eretria was founded. She tells Zeus that Hera refuses to leave the cave for any reason but would not tell Artemis why. Hearing this, all the gods begin a competition to draw Hera from her cave, having experienced the disorder that comes from her absence. None of their methods work, however. When everyone else has had their turn, Hestia speaks to Zeus of a plan she devised. Zeus, in disguise as Hestia and wearing her shawl, will enter the cave and attempt to speak with Hera and discover why she has secluded herself. However, for the disguise to work, Zeus must shave off his beard. Zeus agrees to the plan and shaves his beard, saying "What are a few paltry hairs to me, compared to the favor of my wife?"
Inside, Zeus finds Hera, alone and miserable. Prompted by Zeus under the guise of Hestia, Hera laments how all her brothers and sisters are in happy marriages, while she, the very goddess of marriage, languishes in her "union" with her boorish husband. Moved, Zeus tells his wife of the chaos that ensued in Olympus following her absence, noting that she is not only the goddess of marriage, but also Queen of the Gods. Her place will always be above her subjects, and beside her king. With that, Zeus sheds his disguise. Hera is taken by surprise at this revelation, and doubts the truth in his words. Zeus assures her that all he said is true, and that what he will say next is also true: no longer will Cronides search for another bride, not when the queen of brides is his. They share a happy moment.
Finally convinced, Hera leaves the cave hand-in-hand with Zeus. Together, they revel and admire the gods' handiwork in attempting to bring her out. In their first act as a strengthened couple, Zeus and Hera bless the cave and the fields and mountains that surround it with much bounty before departing with the other gods back to Olympus.
Here you go, Cetashwayo.
Thank you for your kind words.
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