Hera and Athena are both sympathetic to the cause of the Greek people, and their dynamic in book 8 reflects that strong desire as the two work together well.

In book 8, the two goddesses work in harmony to see that the Greek side prevails. Interestingly, though Hera is the queen of the gods, Athena gives her orders, telling Hera to get their horses ready for departure. This behavior does not offend Hera's sense of authority, and she complies with Athena's request. Though both goddesses are proud and powerful, they do not compete with one another here, but work together in their common cause.

The two are even in harmony regarding their reaction to Zeus's interference with their plans. They are stopped from helping the Greeks, and both agree to acquiesce to Zeus's commands. They sit apart from Zeus and refuse to speak to him for a time. However, the one difference between their reactions is that Athena is silent in her fury, while Hera verbally makes her displeasure known.