May be because there's still a capable son to inherit the position, so she wouldn't think of shanet or a granddaughter even. Matriarchs I assume, tend to go into their position by "luck" such as becoming a widow with no capable or old enough sons and just being formidable enough to swat away the...
In greek God culture they don't care about "losing face" or appearing petty as seen in their myths, they just go to war or try and kill someone that they think is insulting them. Also, if someone is higher rank than u, you should grovel before them, as seen in how the other lower gods and humans...