The Wrath of Juno
Juno was renowned not only as the queen of heaven but also as a goddess prone to fits of jealous rage.
Understanding the Heavenly Queen's Fury
In Roman mythology, Juno was renowned not only as the queen of heaven but also as a goddess prone to fits of jealous rage. Three slights in particular stirred the furious flames within the formidable figure - Carthage, Troy, and any threat to her supremacy on Olympus.
Carthage, City of Rival Love
When Dido, Queen of Carthage, fell deeply in love with the Trojan hero Aeneas, Juno saw this as an affront. As goddess of marriage, any love outside the bounds of her exalted domain offended her royal sensibilities. She vowed vengeance on the star-crossed lovers' destined city.
Troy, Sacked Yet Triumphant
Never forgiving the Judgment of Paris that denied her trophy, Juno harbored perpetual spite for the fallen kingdom of Troy. She relished in its destruction yet seethed that some remnants endured. When Aeneas embarked to found a new Trojan empire, Juno opposed his mission relentlessly.
Any Usurpation of Power
As proud monarch of the pantheon, Juno's bitterest wrath fell upon gods or mortals who threatened her paramount authority in divine realms or mortal affairs. Any weakening of her influence roused her rage, as she fought fiercely to maintain dominion befitting her lofty station.