Peafowl were first brought to Samos, where they were kept at the temple of Hera ; and gradually the legend was spread that Samos was their native place, and that they were the favourite birds of its goddess. […] They were gradually but slowly spread through Greece. […] All the habitations of the gods on Olympos were made by Hephæstos, and were all composed of metal ; as also were their chariots and arms. […] Her children by Zeus were Phœbos-Apollo, and Artemis. […] Her sisters, who were far inferior to her in charms, were married, and she remained single, hating that beauty which all admired.