Io and Hera
Io becomes caught in the conflict between Zeus and Hera, and her long wanderings become part of the ancestry of several later Greek heroic families.
The Story
Io was an Argive woman whose story became closely connected with Zeus and Hera.
Ancient traditions differ over some details of her identity and how Zeus first approached her.
What remains central is that Io became caught in the jealousy and rivalry surrounding Zeus.
In the familiar tradition, Io was transformed into a cow.
Hera gained control of her and placed the many-eyed Argus Panoptes as her guard.
Zeus sent Hermes to free Io.
Hermes killed Argus.
But Io's suffering did not end.
A gadfly sent by Hera drove her across great distances.
Her wanderings carried her through parts of the mythological world and eventually toward Egypt.
There Io recovered human form and became associated with the birth of Epaphus.
The importance of the story extends far beyond Io herself.
Through later genealogies, her descendants became connected with Europa, Cadmus, Danaë, Perseus and Heracles.
Io therefore stands near the beginning of several of the great heroic family lines of Greek mythology.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
Io is an important genealogical link between the divine world and later heroic dynasties. Her descendants connect the Argive tradition with the families of Perseus, Heracles, Europa and Cadmus.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient sources differ over Io's parentage, Zeus' relationship with her and details of her route. Her transformation, persecution by Hera and long wandering remain central elements of the tradition.