According to some versions of
the story of Leto, Zeus transformed her into a quail, in order that she might
thus elude the vigilance of Hera, and she is said to have {32} resumed her true
form when she arrived at the island of Delos.
HERA, being the principal wife
of Zeus and queen of heaven, a detailed account will be given of her in a
special chapter.
In the union of Zeus with most
of his immortal wives we shall find that an allegorical meaning is conveyed.
His marriage with Metis, who is said to have surpassed both gods and men in
knowledge, represents supreme power allied to wisdom and prudence. His union
with Themis typifies the bond which exists between divine majesty and justice,
law, and order. Eurynome, as the mother of the Charites or Graces, supplied the
refining and harmonizing influences of grace and beauty, whilst the marriage of
Zeus with Mnemosyne typifies the union of genius with memory.
