Oh boy!
King vs Queen is live! This was my favorite Chapter of The Coup to write.
If you have not read it, I suggest reading it now, as I plan to spoil the Chapter.
In the actual myth, based on Homer, and other sources, Zeus wakes up with the help of Athena and the Hecatoncheire and lays waste to his enemies and barely breaks a sweat. While I am sure that particular narrative was compelling, I felt it was lacking. Even gods must have limits and tire or else Athena and Hera's plan would never work.
In series like Hades, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Blood of Zeus, and Percy Jackson, Hera is considered formidable, but always second to Zeus, and she cannot/does not turn on him for fear, need to keep Olympus whole, and so on. I like the idea that this Coup was the straw that broke the camels back and she struck Zeus. Domestic violence implications aside, these are warring gods. Hera should be seen as powerful and formidable. To have her stand her ground to Zeus was important to me. Some other retellings where she just drinks or hand waves his behavior made her feel like she never wanted to lash out at Zeus and supplicated herself. To have her fight back was important to me, and while the conclusion is not one some/most might not want, I would like to remind everyone that the story of Olympus is not over.
Thank you guys once again for reading.
I hope you enjoyed this favorite chapter of my story.
As Always,
C.S.