The Legend of Hera and Athearus

Short Story by Deena Al-Dahwi

Many moons ago, there lived a god in the skies of Zamanland named Athearus.

Athearus was the god of the storms which meant that he was in charge of every single storm and weather change. Though he was the god of the storms, he was quite the opposite in character. Athearus was kind, sympathetic, generous, and would go out of his way for anybody. Athearus was in love with Hera.

Hera, the goddess of love, was a timeless beauty. Hera’s hair was like silk. Her skin was the colour of peaches; ready and ripe. And her character was even better than all of her fabulous beauty! She was the kindest goddess; and was cheerful, intelligent, rather polite, honest, and simply wonderful.

The two would make a great pair!

Athearus longed to visit Hera so he made sure he wore his best suit made out of the finest silk. With a bottle of the most attractive perfume and some delicious chocolates in one hand and his flying and diving sandals in the other, he stepped out of his house and locked the door firmly. He set off; walking on the cotton – like clouds of Zamanland to Hera’s magical house.

When Athearus arrived at Hera’s, he knocked excitedly at her grand front door. Hera appeared in a dazzling, soft, draping blue dress.

“Oh Hera,” cried Athearus. “You know I’m in love with you! May I finally have your hand in marriage?”
Hera refused again, because she thought Athearus had a volatile temper and was impatient like his storms. So, Athearus said he would do anything for her hand in marriage. Hera, gently but seriously, challenged Athearus to get a real picture of the Sea Monster. She thought that would prove if Athearus was patient or not because many people had tried and it took years and years for them to catch a glimpse of the Sea Monster… if they survived! The task was deemed insurmountable. It needed enormous amount of courage to complete. Athearus nodded silently and then left. How was he supposed to capture a real picture of the Sea Monster?

Uncertainty filled Athearus’ mind as he arrived at his house. He packed some of his ‘powers’ and an olden day picture-taking machine, and set off for the Pacific from the mythical world of Zamanland.

He reached the strange but wondrous Human World.

“Where is the Pacific?” he asked himself. He seemed to have landed on a high cliff, and was looking at the clouds. “Oh, there it is!” after having questioned several considerate talking owls. “Here goes!” exclaimed Athearus and glided down to the surface of the Pacific. He changed his shoes into diving shoes, and went into the ocean.

SPLASH! Athearus could get any power he wanted from his bag so he chose to be able to breathe under water. Instantly he got that power and began to go deep into the ocean. He had prepared himself for weeks and weeks of dwelling under the sea!

Back in Zamanland, Hera was thinking all about Athearus. “Did he actually go? Was he actually going to do it? Why did I challenge him to such a dangerous task?” All these questions were making Hera sick.

In the meantime, Athearus was looking for the Sea Monster. He was exhausted! Athearus had been waiting for weeks and weeks for the Sea Monster but he wouldn’t relinquish the mission! ‘Where was the sea monster?” he asked himself. “Wait. Was that a colossal, eerie, scaly tail? Or was that just my imagination?” “Am I…,” His thoughts were shattered to pieces by a rough nudge! “AAAGGHHHH,” screamed Athearus. “I’m getting chased by the Sea Monster!”

Currents heaving. Body quivering. Closer and closer. Swifter and Swifter. His body aching. His heart racing! Athearus turned back to check how far he was from the Sea Monster. Worriedly, Athearus saw that the Sea Monster was getting very close! The Sea Monster just about managed to grab Athearus’ foot with his revolting, crimson, hairy arms and pull Athearus closer to him. Fortunately, Athearus forced his body forward, pulling his foot free from the evil creature.

Although he was losing all his energy, Athearus’ courage kept him going. He chose another amazing power: to swim faster than any sea creature. One second later, Athearus was swimming rapidly, casting millions of bubbles behind him. After a while, he stopped and turned around. He was quite a distance away from the vicious Sea Monster. He hid behind a huge rock, so that the Sea Monster lost him, but kept swimming. “Click,” went his picture machine, as the Monster swam past.

“Now I am satisfied!” Athearus thought calmly.
He raced to the surface of the salty ocean. Quickly, he turned his shoes back to the amazing flying sandals and covered his body with a towel that had suddenly appeared in his pack.

In the skies of Zamanland, Hera was worrying about Athearus so much, to the extent that she had to lie down on a sofa and close her eyes. A deep knock on her door made Hera jump….

Excitedly, Hera sprinted to the door, and opened it. Athearus appeared at the door in a lovely handsome suit, carrying a bouquet of pink and red fresh roses, and another hidden object behind his back!

There was a long silence…
“Do my eyes deceive me?” Hera thought. Then she turned to Athearus and said, “Are you hurt? I wish I’d never sent you on such a dangerous task. Even the most courageous warriors lost their lives trying to catch up with the sea monster.”

“I’ve got something fascinating for you. It is what you wanted from me,” exclaimed Athearus. Modestly, he showed Hera the picture. “I can’t believe that you did it!” cried Hera “You are patient, courageous, and generous,” admitted Hera. “So I would be delighted to be your bride.”

So a magical wedding was planned for the next day, for the exquisite Hera and the courageous Athearus. Fireworks burst colourfully into the beautiful sunset, while people danced cheerfully, and laughter was shared together. In Zamanland, Hera and Athearus were known as the most tender and helpful couple.
And they lived delightfully contented ever after!