HESTIA - Greek Goddess of Hearth & Home (Roman Vesta) Hestia Hestia, Athenian red-figure kylix C5th B.C., National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia HESTIA was the virgin goddess of the hearth (both private and municipal) and the home. As the goddess of the family hearth she also presided over the cooking of bread and the preparation of the family meal. Hestia was also the goddess of the sacrificial flame and received a share of every sacrifice to the gods. The cooking of the communal feast of sacrificial meat was naturally a part of her domain. In myth Hestia was the first born child of Kronos (Cronus) and Rhea who was swallowed by her father at birth. Zeus later forced the old Titan to disgorge Hestia and her siblings. As the first to be swallowed she was also the last to be disgorged, and so was named as both the eldest and youngest of the six Kronides. When the gods Apollon and Poseidon sought for her hand in marriage, Hestia refused and asked Zeus to let her remain an eternal virgin. He agreed and she took her place at his royal hearth.

Hestia was depicted in Athenian vase painting as a modestly veiled woman sometimes holding a flowered branch (perhaps a chaste-tree). In classical sculpture she was also veiled, with a kettle as her attribute. FAMILY OF HESTIA PARENTS [1.1] KRONOS & RHEA (Hesiod Theogony 453, Apollodorus 1.4, Diodorus Sicululs 1.4. Hyginus Preface, Ovid Fasti 6.285) [1.2] KRONOS (Homeric Hymns 18 & 24) [1.3] RHEA (Pindar Nemean Ode 11) OFFSPRING NONE (She was a virgin goddess.) ENCYCLOPEDIA HE′STIA (Hestia, Ion. Histiê), the goddess of the hearth, or rather the fire burning on the hearth, was regarded as one of the twelve great gods, and accordingly as a daughter of Cronus and Rhea.

According to the common tradition, she was the first-born daughter of Rhea, and was therefore the first of the children that was swallowed by Cronus. (Hes. Theog. 453, &c.; Hom. Hymn. in Ven. 22; Apollod. i. 1. § 5.) She was, like Artemis and Athena, a maiden divinity, and when Apollo and Poseidon sued for her hand, she swore by the head of Zeus to remain a virgin for ever (Hom. Hymn. in Ven. 24, &c.), and in this character it was that her sacrifices consisted of cows which were only one year old. The connection between Hestia and Apollo and Poseidon, which is thus alluded to in the legend, appears also in the temple of Delphi, where the three divinities were worshipped in common, and Hestia and Poseidon appeared together also at Olympia. (Paus. v. 26. § 26, x. 5. § 3; Hom. Hymn. xxxi.

2.) As the hearth was looked upon as the sacred centre of domestic life, so Hestia was the goddess of domestic life and the giver of all domestic happiness and blessings, and as such she was believed to dwell in the inner part of every house (Hom. Hymn. in Ven. 30; Callim. Hymn. in Del. 325, in Cer. 129), and to have invented the art of building houses. (Diod. v. 68; Eustath. ad Hom. p. 735.) In this respect she appears often together with Hermes, who was likewise a deus penetralis, as protecting the works of man. (Hom. Hymn. xxxii. 10: Paus. x. 11. § 3.) As the hearth of a house is at the same time the altar on which sacrifices are offered to the domestic gods (hestiouchoi or ephestioi), Hestia was looked upon as presiding at all sacrifices, and, as the goddess of the sacred fire of the altar, she had a share in the sacrifices in all the temples of the gods. (Hom. Hymn. in Ven.

31.) Hence when sacrifices were offered, she was invoked first, and the first part of the sacrifice was offered to her. (Hom. Hymn. xxxii. 5; Pind. Nem. xi. 5; Plat. Cratyl. p. 401, d. ; Paus. v. 14. § 5; Schol. ad Aristoph. Vesp. 842 ; Hesych. s. v. aph hestias archomenos.) Solemn oaths were sworn by the goddess of the hearth, and the hearth itself was the sacred asylum where suppliants implored the protection of the inhabitants of the house. (Hom. Od. xiv. 159; Eustath. ad Hom. p. 1579.) A town or city is only an extended family, and therefore had likewise its sacred hearth, the symbol of an harmonious community of citizens and of a common worship. This public hearth usually existed in the prytaneium of a town, where the goddess had her especial sanctuary (thalamos), under the name of Prutanitis, with a statue and the sacred hearth.

There the prytanes offered sacrifices to her, on entering upon their office, and there, as at a private hearth, Hestia protected the suppliants. As this public hearth was the sacred asylum in every town, the state usually received its guests and foreign ambassadors there, and the prytanes had to act the part of hosts. When a colony was sent out, the emigrants took the fire which was to burn on the hearth of their new home from that of the mother town. (Pind. Nem. xi. 1, &c., with the Scholiast; Parthen. Erot. 18; Dion. Hal. ii. 65.) If ever the fire of her hearth became extinct, it was not allowed to be lighted again with ordinary fire, but either by fire produced by friction, or by burning glasses drawing fire from the sun. The mystical speculations of later times proceeded from tile simple ideas of the ancients, and assumed a sacred hearth not only in the centre of the earth, but even in that of the universe, and confounded Hestia in various ways with other divinities, such as Cybele, Gaea, Demeter, Persephone, and Artemis.

(Orph. Hymn. 83; Plut. de Plac. Philos. 3, 11, Numa, 11.) There were but few special temples of Hestia in Greece, as in reality every prytaneum was a sanctuary of the goddess, and as a portion of the sacrifices, to whatever divinity they were offered, belonged to her. There was, however, a separate temple of Hestia at Hermione, though it contained no image of her, but only an altar. (Paus. ii. 35. § 2.) Her sacrifices consisted of the primitiae of fruit, water, oil, wine, and cows of one year old. (Hesych. l. c. ; Hom. Hymn. xxxi. 3, xxxii. 6; Pind. Nem. xi. 6.) The Romans worshipped the same goddess, or rather the same ideas embodied in her, under the name of Vesta, which is in reality identical with Hestia; but as the Roman worship of Vesta differed in several points from that of Hestia in Greece. Source: Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.

ALTERNATE NAME SPELLINGS Zeus, Ganymedes and Hestia, Athenian red-figure kylix C6th B.C., National Archaeological Museum of Tarquinia Hesiod, Theogony 453 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th B.C.) : "But Rhea was subject in love to Kronos (Cronus) and bare splendid children, Hestia, Demeter, and gold-shod Hera and strong Haides . . . and the loud-crashing Earth-Shaker [Poseidon], and wise Zeus . . . These great Kronos swallowed as each came forth from the womb to his mother's knees . . . Therefore he kept no blind outlook, but watched and swallowed down his children . . . As the years rolled on, great Kronos the wily was beguiled by the deep suggestions of Gaia (Gaea, the Earth), and brought up again his offspring, vanquished by the arts and might of his own son, and he vomited up first the stone which he had swallowed last." Homeric Hymn 5 to Aphrodite 18 ff (trans.

Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.) : "Nor yet does the pure maiden Histia (Hestia) love Aphrodite's works. She was the first-born child of wily Kronos (Cronus) and youngest too, by will of Zeus who holds the aigis,--a queenly maid whom both Poseidon and Apollon sought to wed. But she was wholly unwilling, nay, stubbornly refused; and touching the head of father Zeus who holds the aigis, she, that fair goddess, sware a great oath which has in truth been fulfilled, that she would be a maiden all her days. So Zeus the Father gave her a high honour instead of marriage, and she has her place in the midst of the house and has the richest portion. In all the temples of the gods she has a share of honour, and among all mortal men she is chief of the goddesses. Of these three Aphrodite cannot bend or ensnare the hearts." Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 4 - 7 (trans.

Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "He [Kronos (Cronus)] then married his sister Rhea. Because both Ge (Gaea, Earth) and Ouranos (Uranus, Heaven) had given him prophetic warning that his rule would be overthrown by a son of his own, he took to swallowing his children at birth. He swallowed his first-born daughter Hestia, then Demeter and Hera, and Poseidon and Haides . . . When Zeus was grown, he engaged Okeanos' (Oceanus') daughter Metis as a colleague. She gave Kronos a drug, by which he was forced to vomit forth first the stone and then the children he had swallowed. With them Zeus fought a war against Kronos and the Titanes (Titans)." Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5. 68. 1 (trans. Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "To Kronos (Cronus) and Rhea, we are told, were born Hestia, Demeter, and Hera, and Zeus, Poseidon, and Haides." Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.

70. 1 : "There was delivered to Kronos (Cronus) an oracle regarding the birth of Zeus which stated that the son who would be born to him would wrest the kingship from him by force. Consequently Kronos time and again did away with the children whom he begot; but Rhea, grieved as she was, and yet lacking the power to change her husband's purpose, when she had given birth to Zeus, concealed him in Ide (Ida)." Pseudo-Hyginus, Preface (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) : "From Saturnus [Kronos (Cronus)] and Ops [Rhea]: Vesta [Hestia], Ceres [Demeter], Juno [Hera], Juppiter [Zeus], Pluto [Haides], Neptunus [Poseidon]." Ovid, Fasti 6. 285 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C.

to C1st A.D.) : "Juno [Hera] and Ceres [Demeter], they recount, were born from Ops [Rhea] by Saturnus' [Kronos' (Cronus')] seed. Vesta [Hestia] was the third. The first two married, both gave birth, it's reported; one of the three stayed ignorant of men." HESTIA & THE GOD PRIAPUS Ovid, Fasti 6. 319 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) : "Should I omit or recount your shame, red Priapus? It is a very playful, tiny tale. Coroneted Cybele [Rhea], with her crow of turrets, invites the eternal gods to her feast. She invites, too, Satyri (Satyrs) and Nymphae (Nymphs), Rural-Spirits (Rustica Numina); Silenus is present, uninvited. It's not allowed and too long to narrate the gods' banquet: night was consumed with much wine.

Some blindly stroll shadowy Ida's dells, or lie down and rest their bodies in the soft grass. Others play or are clasped by sleep; or link their arms and thump the green earth in triple quick step. Vesta [Hestia] lies down and takes a quiet, carefree nap, just as she was, her head pillowed by turf. But the red saviour of gardens [Priapos] prowls for Nymphai and goddesses, and wanders back and forth. He spots Vesta. It's unclear if he thought she was a Nympha or knew it was Vesta. He claims ignorance. He conceives a vile hope and tires to steal upon her, walking on tiptoe, as his heart flutters. By chance old Silenus had left the donkey he came on by a gently burbling stream. The long Hellespont's god was getting started, when it bellowed an untimely bray. The goddess stars up, frightened by the noise. The whole crowd fly to her; the god flees through hostile hands." N.B. An almost identical story is told by Ovid of Priapos and the Nymphe Lotis .

HYMNS TO HESTIA Hestia and Demeter, Athenian red-figure kylix C5th B.C., Antikensammlung Berlin Homeric Hymn 24 to Hestia (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.) : "Hestia, in the high dwellings of all, both deathless gods and men who walk on earth, you ahve gained an everlasting abode and highest honour: glorious is your portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet,--where one does not duly pour sweet wine in offering to Hestia both first and last. And you, Argeiphontes [Hermes], son of Zeus and Maia, . . . be favourable and help us, you and Hestia, the worshipful and dear. Come and dwell in this glorious house in friendship together; for you two, well knowing the noble actions of men, aid on their wisdom and their strength.

Hail, Daughter of Kronos (Cronus), and you also, Hermes." Homeric Hymn 24 to Hestia : "Hestia, you who tend the holy house of the lord Apollon, the Far-shooter at goodly Pytho, with soft oil dripping ever from your locks, come now into this house, come, having one mind with Zeus the all-wise--draw near, and withal bestow grace upon my song." Orphic Hymn 84 to Hestia (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "To Hestia, Fumigation from Aromatics. Daughter of Kronos (Cronus), venerable dame, who dwellest amidst great fire's eternal flame; in sacred rites these ministers are thine, mystics much blessed, holy and divine. In thee the Gods have fixed their dwelling place, strong, stable basis of the mortal race.

Eternal, much formed, ever florid queen, laughing and blessed, and of lovely mien; accept these rites, accord each just desire, and gentle health and needful good inspire." HESTIA GODDESS OF HEARTH, HOME & ALTAR Hestia was the goddess of hearth and home. As the goddess of the hearth-fire, Hestia also presided over the altar flame and the sacrificial feast. The central hearth of a state also belonged to her--the fire kept alight in the civic hall. Homeric Hymn 5 to Aphrodite 18 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th - 4th B.C.) : "Zeus the Father gave her [Hestia] a high honour instead of marriage, and she has her place in the midst of the house and has the richest portion.

In all the temples of the gods she has a share of honour, and among all mortal men she is chief of the goddesses." Homeric Hymn 24 to Hestia : "Hestia, in the high dwellings of all, both deathless gods and men who walk on earth, you have gained an everlasting abode and highest honour: glorious is your portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet,--where one does not duly pour sweet wine in offering to Hestia both first and last . . . Hestia, you who tend the holy house [temple] of the lord Apollon." Pindar, Nemean Ode 11. 1 ff (trans. Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Daughter of Rhea, guardian of parliaments, Hestia, sister of all-highest Zeus, and of Hera who shares his throne, welcome with goodwill to your sacred hall." Bacchylides, Fragment 148 (trans. Campbell, Vol.

Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "[Invocation to Hestia, as the goddess of the public hearth in the town of Larissa :] Gold-throned Hestia, you who increase the great prosperity of the glorious Agathokleadai (Agathocleadae), those men of wealth, as you sit in mid-city by the fragrant Peneios (Peneus) in the glens of sheep-rearing Thessalia (Thessaly)." Plato, Cratylus 400d - 401b (trans. Fowler) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) : "[Plato invents philosophical etymologies to explain the names of the gods :] Sokrates (Socrates) : Let us inquire what thought men had in giving them [the gods] their names . . . The first men who gave names [to the gods] were no ordinary persons, but high thinkers and great talkers . . . Shall we, then, begin with Hestia, according to custom? . . . Then what would you say the man had in mind who gave Hestia her name? . . .

Take that which we call ousia (reality, essence); some people call it essia, and still others ôsia. First, then, in connection with the second of these forms, it is reasonable that the essence of things be called Hestia; and moreover, because we ourselves say of that which partakes of reality ‘it is’ (estin), the name Hestia would be correct in this connection also; for apparently we also called ousia (reality) essia in ancient times. And besides, if you consider it in connection with sacrifices, you would come to the conclusion that those who established them understood the name in that way; for those who called the essence of things essia would naturally sacrifice to Hestia first of all the gods. Those on the other hand, who say ôsia would agree, well enough with Herakleitos that all things move and nothing remains still. So they would say the cause and ruler of things was the pushing power (ôthoun), wherefore it had been rightly named ôsia." Plato, Laws 745b (trans.

Bury) : "[Plato describes the founding of his ideal city :] He must divide off twelve portions of land,--when he has first set apart a sacred glebe for Hestia, Zeus and Athena, to which he shall give the name akropolis and circle it round with a ring-wall; starting from this he must divide up both the city itself and all the country into the twelve portions." [N.B. Zeus receives central place as king of the goddess, Athena as city-protector, and Hestia as goddess of the civic hearth.] Plato, Phaedrus 246 (trans. Jowett) : "Zeus, the mighty lord, holding the reins of a winged chariot, leads the way in heaven, ordering all and taking care of all; and there follows him the array of gods and demigods, marshalled in eleven bands; Hestia alone abides at home in the house of heaven; of the rest they who are reckoned among the princely twelve march in their appointed order." Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5. 68. 1 (trans.

Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) : "To Kronos (Cronus) and Rhea, we are told, were born Hestia, Demeter, and Hera, and Zeus, Poseidon, and Haides. Of these, they say, Hestia discovered how to build houses, and because of this benefaction of hers practically all men have established her shrine in every home, according her honours and sacrifices." Orphic Hymn 84 to Hestia (trans. Taylor) (Greek hymns C3rd B.C. to 2nd A.D.) : "Hestia . . . who dwellest amidst great fire's eternal flame; in sacred rites these ministers are thine, mystics much blessed, holy and divine. In thee the Gods have fixed their dwelling place, strong, stable basis of the mortal race." Cicero, De Natura Deorum 2. 27 (trans. Rackham) (Roman rhetorician C1st B.C.) : "The goddess whom they call Hestia.

Her power extends over altars and hearths, and therefore all prayers and all sacrifices end with this goddess, because she is the guardian of the innermost things." Suidas s.v. Ges agalma (trans. Suda On Line) (Byzantine Greek Lexicon C10th A.D.) : "Ges agalma (A statue of the earth): They model Hestia as a woman, like the earth, holding up a kettledrum, since the earth encloses the winds below herself." CULT OF HESTIA "Hestia Giustiniani", Greco-Roman marble statue, Villa Albani Museum GENERAL CULT Hestia had few significant temples or shrines dedicated to her. Rather she presided over the hearth at the centre of each home, the altars of all the gods, and the public earth of the city. Cicero, De Natura Deorum 2. 27 (trans. Rackham) (Roman rhetorician C1st B.C.) : "The name Vesta comes from the Greeks, for she is the goddess whom they call Hestia.

Her power extends over altars and hearths, and therefore all prayers and all sacrifices end with this goddess, because she is the guardian of the innermost things. Closely related to this function are the Penates or household gods [of the Romans]." I. ATHENS (ATHENAI) Main City of Attica (Attika) (Southern Greece) Aristophanes, Birds 846 ff (trans. O'Neill) (Greek comedy C5th to 4th B.C.) : "[A character steals the pig-trough of Hestia's holy swine--perhaps connected with the Thesmophoria festival in which swine were sacrificed :] Bdelykleon (Bdelycleon) : What is this? Philokleon (Philocleon) : The pig-trough of the swine dedicated to Hestia. Bdelykleon : Did you steal it from a shrine? Philokleon : No, no, by addressing Hestia first, I might, thanks to her, crush an adversary [in the courts]. But put an end to delay by calling up the case. My verdict is already settled." Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 18.

3 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "Hard by is the Prytaneon (Prytaneum) [the town-hall of Athens] . . . and figures are placed of the goddesses Eirene (Irene, Peace) and Hestia." II. OROPUS (OROPOS) Town in Attica (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 1. 34. 3 : "[The temple of Amphiaraus in Oropos (Oropus) in Attika :] The altar shows parts. One part is to Herakles (Heracles), Zeus, and Apollon Paion (Paeon, Healer) . . . the third is to Hestia and Hermes and [the hero] Amphiaraus and the children of Amphilokhos (Amphilochus)." III. HERMIONE Town in Argolis (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 35. 1 : "[At Hermione in Argolis :] Passing into the sanctuary of Hestia, we see no image, but only an altar, and they sacrifice to Hestia upon it." IV.

SPARTA Main City of Lacedaemonia (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 3. 11. 11 : "The Lakedaimonians (Lacedaemonians) also have a sanctuary of Hestia [at Sparta]." V. OLYMPIA Sanctuary in Elis (Southern Greece) Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 14. 4 : "The order in which the Eleans are wont to sacrifice on the altars [at Olympia]. They sacrifice to Hestia first, secondly to Zeus Olympios (Olympian), going to the altar within the temple, thirdly to Zeus Laoitas and to Poseidon Laoitas . . . Fourthly and fifthly they sacrifice to Artemis and to Athena." Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 11. 8 : "[Images on the throne in the temple of Zeus at Olympia :] On the pedestal supporting the throne and Zeus with all his adornments are works in gold . . . and close to Hermes Hestia." Pausanias, Description of Greece 5. 26.

2 - 3 : "The offerings of Mikythos (Micythus) I found [at Olympia] were numerous and not together . . . [statues of] Amphitrite, Poseidon and Hestia." VI. LARISSA Main City of Lapithae in Thessaly (Northern Greece) Bacchylides, Fragment 148 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric IV) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "[Invocation to Hestia as the goddess of the public hearth in the town of Larissa :] Gold-throned Hestia [goddess of the hearth, here the public hearth in Larissa], you who increase the great prosperity of the glorious Agathokleadai (Agathocleadae), those men of wealth, as you sit in mid-city by the fragrant Peneios (Peneus) in the glens of sheep-rearing Thessalia (Thessaly)." VII. TENEDOS Island (Greek Aegean) Pindar, Nemean Ode 11. 1 ff (trans.

Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) : "Daughter of Rhea, guardian of parliaments, Hestia, sister of all-highest Zeus, and of Hera who shares his throne, welcome with goodwill to your sacred hall Aristagoras, and his fellows with goodwill, beneath your glorious sceptre. For they in honouring you keep watch and ward on Tenedos island and secure her weal. First of all other gods they worship you with many a gift of wine and many a victim, and the lure sounds for you, and song. And at their well-spread tables, never bare, the rites of Zeus, the hospitable father, receive their due." VIII. NAXOS Island (Greek Aegean) Parthenius, Love Romances 18 (trans. Gaselee) (Greek poet C1st B.C.) : "Neaira, in fear of Hypsikreon (Hypsicreon), journeyed to Naxos; and, when her husband came to fetch her, took up suppliant's position at the altar-hearth (hestia) of the Prytaneion (Prytaneum, Town Hall).

When Hypsikreon asked the Naxians to bive her up, they refused." ANCIENT GREEK & ROMAN ART Hestia, the Greek Goddess of the Hearth in Greek Mythology Parents: Hestia was the eldest daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea . Siblings: Hestia had five siblings. Three brothers ( Zeus , Hades and Poseidon ), and two sisters ( Hera and Demeter ). Goddess Hestia never married. Hestia, the Virgin Goddess Hestia was one of the three virgin goddesses, next to Athena and Artemis . Both Poseidon and Apollo wished to marry her, however Hestia had given the oath to Zeus to never enter into a union with a male and to remain forever pure and undefiled. Worship of Hestia Hestia personified the fire hat was burning in the hearth of every home. All families poured sweet wine in her name and dedicated her the richest portion. The hearth fire was not allowed to go out by any family unless it was ritually extinguished. Hestia may not have had a public cult, but she was always worshipped in any temple, regardless of the god the temple was dedicated to.

Hestia, Greek Goddess of Hearth and Home Hestia, Greek Goddess of Hearth and Home Hestia, Greek Goddess of the sacred fire, was once known as "Chief of the Goddesses" and "Hestia, First and Last". She was the most influential and widely revered of the Greek goddesses. Though the goddess Hestia was once the most important of the Greek goddesses, she (like her counterpart, the Roman goddess Vesta) is virtually unknown today. Her name means ï¿½the essenceï¿½, the true nature of things. Scholars often refer to the goddess Hestia as "the forgotten goddess". Because of the her association with hospitality, the word Hestia can mostly be heard today used in the names of inns and restaurants, making some people wonder if ï¿½Hestiaï¿½ is the name of a franchise. Unlike the other Greek goddesses, Hestia does not have a "story" . . . there were few adventures to record about her. She simply "is". Few images of the goddess Hestia exist.

A very "private person", her symbols, the sacred flame and the circle, are usually used to represent Hestia in works of art. Hestia's brief stories, retold here, are too scanty to instruct us. It is her traits, not her actions, that most define her. These virtues define the goddess Hestia: mild, gentle, forgiving, peaceful, serene, dignified, calm, secure, stable, welcoming, and, above all else, well-centered. Of all the Olympian gods and goddesses, Hestia was the first born. And also the last. This takes some explaining . . . Her parents were the Titans, Cronus & Rhea. She was their first child. But Cronus, made fearful by a prophecy that one of his children would grow up to usurp his throne, quickly swallowed the infant Hestia (as he did the brothers and sisters that followed) in order to prevent the fulfillment of the prophecy. Later, following the birth of Zeus, the grieving goddess Rhea tricked her husband into swallowing a rock wrapped in swaddling instead of the infant, causing him to vomit up all the babies he had swallowed.

First in, Hestia was the last to be disgorged. Hence, the goddess was often called "Hestia, First and Last". The goddess Hestia grew in grace and beauty and soon caught the attention of the gods Apollo and Poseidon who both sought her hand in marriage. But Hestia wasn't having any of it . . . saying that Aphrodite's ways (romance and marriage) were not her ways, she placed her hand on Zeus' brow and swore an oath that she would not marry. More than anything else, she wanted to follow a path that was true to her nature and was of her own choosing. She didn't require the trappings of power or adventure (like Athena and Artemis, the other virgin, i.e. unmarried, goddesses). She was perfectly content and fulfilled, being "Aunt Hestia", and enjoyed being of service to her family and community.

Zeus, grateful that Hestiaï¿½s announcement had averted the possibility of war between the rival suitors, not only supported Hestiaï¿½s wish to remain single but decreed that Hestiaï¿½s name should be mentioned first in any prayer and that she should receive the first portion of any sacrifice and be honored in the temples of each of the Olympian deities. So delighted was he with Hestia's decision, that Zeus handed her the keys to the family home (Mount Olympus) and offered her the position of manager, and with it the responsibility of running this vast estate while the rest of the gods and goddesses wandered about in the larger world having all sorts of adventures. True to her nature, Hestia stayed at home, never leaving Mount Olympus, always there to welcome the others and enjoy their ï¿½homecomingsï¿½. The goddess Hestia never involved herself in the fights and machinations of the other gods and goddesses, somehow managing to stay above the fray. Non-judgmental and forgiving, her ï¿½unconditional loveï¿½ and calm acceptance inspired the love and trust of others in return.

Dependable and caring, Hestia was always there for them and helped them to manage their lives which were certainly more exciting than her own. One of Hestiaï¿½s most important responsibilities as the estate-manager was as ï¿½Keeper of the Reservesï¿½, seeing to it that all their clothing and equipment was in good repair and the the pantry always full so there would be ample food and wine on hand when any of the gods and goddesses returned from their adventures. As keeper of the key to all the supplies, Hestia efficiently managed the large household, pleasing all with her practical dependability. One of the few myths of Hestia tells how the lustful Priapus attempted to rape her as she slept. As he approached her bed, a donkey (long since a symbol of lust) began to bray loudly, awakening the slumbering Hestia. Her screams awoke all the other gods and goddesses and sent the embarrassed Priapus falling all over himself as he tried to flee. Hestia is also known as the originator of the concept of ï¿½sanctuaryï¿½. It was an offense to Hestia to refuse hospitality to a stranger.

That those in need were to be sheltered and protected from ill-treatment was recognized by Hestiaï¿½s followers as a sacred obligation. Special emphasis was placed on the requirement to not ï¿½take advantageï¿½ of a female guest, presumably as a result of Hestiaï¿½s experience with Priapus. Hestia is often spoken of in conjunction with her friend and neighbor Hermes, the god of communication and travel. They were polar opposites in terms of personalityï¿½Hestia spoke little and stayed at home, while the outgoing Hermes had the ï¿½gift of gabï¿½ and traveled to the far ends of the world. Though a marriage of such disparate characters clearly could not have succeeded, they shared strong bonds of friendship. They are remembered together in the Homeric Hymns (edited by H.G. Evelyn-White): ï¿½ï¿½be favorable and help us you [Hermes] and Hestia, worshipful and dear.

Come and dwell in this glorious house of friendship together, for you two, well knowing the noble actions of men, aid their wisdom and strength.ï¿½ The circle symbolized Hestia (and her counterpart, the Roman Goddess Vesta) as the "complete" goddess, the goddess who was whole, "one complete within herself". Hestia was seen as, not only psychologically "centered", but also as representing the center, the center of the home and family, the city, and even the world itself. The source of Hestiaï¿½s sacred fire was believed to be the molten lava that burns at the center of the earth, connected by an ï¿½umbilical cordï¿½ called the Oomphalos to the city of Delphi, a place of great wisdom and spiritual energy. The town hall, a meeting place for citizens to discuss the community's affairs (a forerunner of western democracy), was built around a hearth that honored Hestia. The living flame of Hestia was tended constantly and never allowed to die out, for it represented the energy of all life and to let the flame extinguish was to invite a cold and barren existence.

When new ï¿½subdivisionsï¿½ were developed, fire was carried from the townï¿½s hearth to light the fire of the new community, assuring its prosperity. The Olympic Torch is just one example of the living flame that has survived to modern times, though it is seldom recalled that it originally honored the Greek goddess Hestia. The ritual of a bride and groom lighting a candle together from the flames of two candelabra to symbolize the creation of the ï¿½newï¿½ family from their two ï¿½oldï¿½ families derived from the ancient practice of bringing Hestiaï¿½s flame from the brideï¿½s motherï¿½s home in order to assure Hestiaï¿½s blessing on the union. Every home had a hearth that was dedicated to the goddess, and each day began and ended with a ritual requesting that she protect and nurture the family within. As the Goddess of Architecture, Hestia intended that homes should be built from the center out, with the center being a hearth that contained her sacred flame.

As part of the naming ritual, all infants were carried in a circle around the altar of Hestia to secure her blessings. There was an altar to Hestia in the center of every home . . . it was the fireplace, the hearth, where the family gathered. Hestia's vision of a house was that it should truly be a home, a place where one's body, spirit, and relationships would be nurtured and replenished. . . a place to "come home to" after exposure to the cold and chaos of the external world. Hestia is associated with the warmth and comfort of the welcoming fireplace. Just as the flames glowing from the hearth soothe us with their warmth and glowing light, the goddess Hestia gives us security, peace, and comfort and helps us accept the truth of our lives with inner grace. Hestia - Who Was Hestia? - Hestia, Greek Goddess of the Hearth Hestia, Greek Goddess of the Hearth Hestia, Greek Goddess of the Hearth Hestia's perpetual fire burned in every Greek village. Image by Christian Baitg/Image Bank/Getty Images By Patti Wigington Updated August 31, 2016.

The Greek goddess Hestia watched over domesticity and the family, and was honored with the first offering at any sacrifice made in the home. On a public level, Hestia's flame was never allowed to burn out. The local town hall served as a shrine for her -- and any time a new settlement was formed, settlers would take a flame from their old village to the new one. Hestia the Hearthkeeper As the equivalent of the Roman Vesta , Hestia was known as the virginal daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and sister of Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. She tended the fires of Mount Olympus , and because of her devotion to her duty as hearthkeeper, she managed to stay out of a lot of the shenanigans of the other Greek gods. She doesn't appear in too many of the Greek myths or adventure stories. Hestia took her role as a virgin seriously as well, and in one legend, the lustful god Priapus tried to take advantage of her. As Priapus crept to her bed, planning on raping Hestia, a donkey brayed loudly, waking the goddess. Her screams woke the other Olympians, much to Priapus' great embarrassment.

In some stories, it is said that Priapus believed Hestia to be a nymph, and that the other gods hid her by turning her into a lotus plant. Ovid describes the scene in Fasti , saying, "Hestia lies down and takes a quiet, carefree nap, just as she was, her head pillowed by turf. But the red saviour of gardens, Priapos, prowls for Nymphai and goddesses, and wanders back and forth. He spots Vesta... He conceives a vile hope and tries to steal upon her, walking on tiptoe, as his heart flutters. By chance old Silenus had left the donkey he came on by a gently burbling stream. The long Hellespont's god was getting started, when it bellowed an untimely bray. The goddess starts up, frightened by the noise. The whole crowd fly to her; the god flees through hostile hands." Hospitality and Sanctuary As a hearth goddess, Hestia was also known for her hospitality. If a stranger came calling and seeking sanctuary, it was considered an offense against Hestia to turn the person away.

Those who followed her were obligated to provide shelter and food to anyone truly in need. It was also emphasized that female guests given sanctuary were not to be violated -- again, a grave offense against Hestia. Because of her role over the hearth, she was allocated a special role in household ritual. Cicero, the first-century Roman rhetorician, wrote , "The name Vesta comes from the Greeks, for she is the goddess whom they call Hestia. Her power extends over altars and hearths, and therefore all prayers and all sacrifices end with this goddess, because she is the guardian of the innermost things. Closely related to this function are the Penates or household gods." Plato points out that Hestia is theologically significant because she is the one who is invoked, and to whom sacrifices are made, before any other deity in ritual. Honoring Hestia Today Hestia is traditionally represented by an image of a lamp with a perpetual flame. Today, some Greek reconstructionists , or Hellenic Pagans , continue to honor Hestia and all that she stands for.

To honor Hestia in your own rituals, try one or more of the following ideas: Early worshipers offered young cows to Hestia, but that may not be practical for you. Instead, offerings of wine, olive oil, and fresh fruit are an acceptable substitute. Keep a candle dedicated to Hestia burning on your hearth or mantle - if you don't have a fireplace, your kitchen can be representative of the hearth. When you're working on any sort of domestic, home-focused project, honor Hestia with prayers, songs, or hymns. Greek Mythology Hestia - Goddess of the Hearth Contact Greek Mythology - Hestia In Greek mythology Hestia was known as the Goddess of the Hearth. In modern language, that might sound like the same thing as "goddess of the fireplace" or "goddess of the space-heater", but in ancient Greek mythology it meant much more than that. In ancient Greece the "hearth" did refer to the home fire, but it represented something more sacred. The hearth was the center point of the home, which meant it was the center point of the family. In the context of a town, the hearth is the center point of the community.

In ancient Greece this was taken literally as most towns had a common house, known as the prytaneum, which housed its own hearth. Visitors and immigrants to the town would be greeted there, where there would often be a statue of Hestia nearby as a means of worship. Greek Mythology Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth Those who left to start a new colony would traditionally take a torch lit by the fire of the town hearth and carry it to the location of their new town. In the center of this new location they would build a new hearth and set it ablaze with the torch, thus "keeping the home fires burning". Hestia didn't have many temples dedicated to her, as most other gods of her stature did, but that wasn't because she was not worshiped. Actually, she was probably worshiped more than any other ancient Greek god or goddess. Every sacrifice made to the gods began with a sacrifice to Hestia. The sacred fire on the sacrificial altar was considered that of Hestia, and so the first portion of each sacrifice to any other god was given to Hestia to receive her blessing for the offering.

A sister to the great Olympian gods of Greek mythology Hestia was the first born child of the titans Chronos and Rhea, who also gave birth to Demeter , Hera , Poseidon , Hades , and Zeus . Hestia is also considered the last-born, due to the story of Chronos eating all of his children (except Zeus), then regurgitating them in reverse-order, meaning Hestia was the last to be re-born from him. Unlike her sisters Demeter and Hera (Greek mythology) Hestia was a virgin goddess her whole existence. She stubbornly refused to marry and even asked Zeus to make it so that she would be a maiden forever. He did, and even went so far as to ensure that the love goddess Aphrodite (Greek mythology) could not use her powers to make Hestia fall in love and change her mind. Hestia Hestia See More Hestia Pictures > Hestia was the goddess of the hearth, family, and domestic life. She was not worshipped publicly, which is evident by the lack of temples and shrines attributed to her; this comes in contrast to the Roman equivalent goddess Vesta, who represented the public hearth.

Her name meant both a house and a hearth, symbolising the home and its residents. She also represented the coalition and relationship between the colonies and the mother cities. She was Zeus ' sister, but although initially she was included in the Olympian gods, she was later replaced by Dionysus . She took a vow to remain a virgin, refusing to give in to the callings of Poseidon and Apollo ; once, she was almost raped by Priapus , a lesser god of fertility, but was saved thanks to the braying of a mule. Hestia Is also called Vesta. Hestia | Greek mythology | Britannica.com Greek mythology Athena Hestia, in Greek religion , goddess of the hearth, daughter of Cronus and Rhea , and one of the 12 Olympian deities. When the gods Apollo and Poseidon became suitors for her hand she swore to remain a maiden forever, whereupon Zeus, the king of the gods, bestowed upon her the honour of presiding over all sacrifices.

She was worshipped chiefly as goddess of the family hearth; but, as the city union was only the family union on a large scale, she had also, at least in some states, a public cult at the civic hearth in the prytaneion, or town hall. Hestia was closely connected with Zeus , god of the family in its external relation of hospitality and its internal unity. She was also associated with Hermes , the two representing domestic life on the one hand, and business and outdoor life on the other. In later philosophy Hestia became the hearth goddess of the universe. Learn More in these related articles: Zeus in ancient Greek religion, chief deity of the pantheon, a sky and weather god who was identical with the Roman god Jupiter. His name clearly comes from that of the sky god Dyaus of the ancient Hindu Rigveda. Zeus was regarded as the sender of thunder and lightning, rain, and winds, and his... Hermes (Greek mythology) Greek god, son of Zeus and the Pleiad Maia; often identified with the Roman Mercury and with Casmilus or Cadmilus, one of the Cabeiri.

His name is probably derived from herma (see herm), the Greek word for a heap of stones, such as was used in the country to indicate boundaries or as a landmark.... Hestia - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11) In ancient Greek mythology Hestia was the goddess of the home and hearth (fireplace). She was also the goddess of architecture. Hestia was one of the main gods believed to live on Mount Olympus. Unlike other Greek gods and goddesses, she was admired more for her virtues than her adventures. She was kind, generous, peaceful, and, above all, welcoming to visitors. Hestia is associated with the Roman goddess Vesta because they shared many of the same characteristics. Hestia - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up) In the religion and mythology of ancient Greece, Hestia was the goddess of the hearth and one of the 12 chief gods who lived on Mount Olympus. The hearth (fireplace) was the center of the household in ancient Greece; thus Hestia was the goddess of the home and the family. She is associated with the Roman goddess Vesta. Article History Corrections? Updates? Help us improve this article!

Contact our editors with your feedback. MEDIA FOR: You have successfully emailed this. Error when sending the email. Try again later. Edit Mode Submit Tips For Editing We welcome suggested improvements to any of our articles. You can make it easier for us to review and, hopefully, publish your contribution by keeping a few points in mind. Encyclopædia Britannica articles are written in a neutral objective tone for a general audience. You may find it helpful to search within the site to see how similar or related subjects are covered. Any text you add should be original, not copied from other sources. At the bottom of the article, feel free to list any sources that support your changes, so that we can fully understand their context. (Internet URLs are the best.) Your contribution may be further edited by our staff, and its publication is subject to our final approval. Unfortunately, our editorial approach may not be able to accommodate all contributions. Submit Thank You for Your Contribution! Our editors will review what you've submitted, and if it meets our criteria, we'll add it to the article. Please note that our editors may make some formatting changes or correct spelling or grammatical errors, and may also contact you if any clarifications are needed.

Uh Oh There was a problem with your submission. Please try again later. Close Date Published: July 20, 1998 URL: Access Date: January 06, 2017 Share Hestia | Greek Mythology Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia None Nicknames: 'Hestia First and Last' (Because while she was the first child of Kronos and Rhea, she was also the last to be regurgitated) Hestia (Ancient Greek: Ἑστία, hearth or fireside) was the Greek goddess that presided over the familial hearth, home, the right ordering of domesticity and family and fire, and the state. She protected the sanctity of the house, and was the patron of the State Council and Parliament. She was the eldest daughter and oldest child of Cronus and Rhea . Hestia received the first offering at every meal in the household. In the public domain, the hearth of the prytaneum functioned as her official sanctuary. With the establishment of a new colony, flame from Hestia's public hearth in the mother city would be carried to the new settlement. Her Roman equivalent was Vesta.

Contents Myth Early Life Hestia was born to Kronos and Rhea . She was the firstborn, and was thus eaten first. Once Zeus grew to be an adult, he fed Kronos a mix of mustard and wine, making him vomit. Hestia had been growing inside Kronos for years, being immortal. She was thrown up last. She also was a part of the Titanomachy , where she fought the Titans . Once the gods won, she would become an Olympian . Virgin Her beauty attracted the interest of Apollo and Poseidon who asked her to marry them. However, Hestia was unwilling to get married and asked Zeus to make her a virgin so that she'd never get married. Giving up her place Zeus had a Demigod son with the mortal princess Semele , named Dionysos . Dionysos was not like the other demigods who fought and were adventurous. He was quite different from other people. He was shunned by others, until he crushed wine grapes in such a way, it made wine. Zeus was taken aback by this, and made him immortal, then offered him a throne on Mount Olympus . However, 13 was an unlucky number, so he reconsidered.

Hestia, the goddess of the hearth who, having grown weary of her quarrelsome family, was happy to give up her place. She would then tend to the sacred flame of Olympus. Symbols In every city in Greece, there is a sacred hearth that is allowed to never go out. Facts About Hestia, Greek Goddess of Home & Hearth. By deTraci Regula Updated April 30, 2016. Hestia is often skipped over by modern readers - and even in the ancient past, she was "removed" from Olympus to make room for a demi god, Ganymede, the cup-bearer to the gods and a favorite of Zeus. Hestia's Appearance: A sweet, modestly dressed young woman. She often is shown wearing a veil. This is not unusual - veils were common among ancient Greek women. Hestia's Symbol or Attribute: The hearth and the tamed fire which burns there. She is said to tend it faithfully. Hestia's Strengths: Constant, calm, gentle, and supportive of the family and home. Her Weaknesses: Cool emotionally, a little too calm, but could defend herself when necessary.

Hestia's Affairs and Relationships:Though she was courted as a potential wife or lover by Poseidon and Apollo, Hestia, like the Greek goddess Artemis, chose to remain a virgin. She occasionally had to fend off the attacks of Priapus and other amorous creatures and divinities. Children of Hestia: Hestia had no children, which is strange from the modern perspective of a goddess of the hearth and home. continue reading below our video Best Ride Sharing Apps of 2015 But keeping the "home fires burning" was a full-time job in ancient times and letting the fire go out was considered an omen of disaster. Major Temple Sites for Hestia: Her public hearths were kept in a meeting hall building called the prytaneion (also spelled Prytaneum) or bouleterion; one of her titles was Hestia Bouleia which derives from the word for meeting hall. She was also believed to be present at any offering fire at all other temples, so she was a truly national deity in Greece.

Greek colonists would kindle fire from her hearth in the prytaneion and keep it lit in a lantern until they reached the hearths of new towns and cities or built their own hearth at their new location. There is one of these at Olympia and at Delphi, where she was also associated with the omphalos stone marking the navel of the world. An important inscription about her comes from the Greek island of Chios and two statues of her were found in the prytaneion on the sacred island of Delos; similar statues were probably in many other Greek temples by the hearth area. In modern Greece, a similar rite still takes place on Good Friday, when people light candles from a central flame at church and carefully bring home the lit candle. This flame is considered to be especially sacred and purifying and is guarded carefully until it is back home. Hestia's Basic Myth: Hestia is the eldest daughter of the Titans Rhea and Kronos (also spelled Chronos). Like the rest of his children, Kronos ate Hestia but she eventually was regurgitated by him after Zeus conquered his father.

She asked Zeus to let her be the goddess of the hearth, and she kept the hearth lit at Mount Olympus . Interesting Facts about Hestia: Hestia was one of three goddesses immune to the influence of Aphrodite . She could not be forced to love anyone. In Rome, a similar goddess, Vesta, ruled over the group of priestesses called the Vestal Virgins whose duty it was to keep the sacred fire perpetually lit. Both her name, Hestia, and that of the god of the forge, Hephaestus, share the same initial sound which was also part of the earliest Greek word for fireplace and which lingers still in English in the word "hearth". More Fast Facts on Greek Gods and Goddesses: Myth of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth *** Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth The mythical story of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth by Caroline H. Harding and Samuel B. Harding The Myth of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth Hestia had fewer temples than any of the other gods of Mount Olympus, but she was worshiped the most of all.

This was because she was the hearth-goddess, - that is, the goddess of the fireside, - and so had part in all the worship of the Greek home. The Greeks said that it was Hestia who first taught men how to build houses. As their houses were so very different from the ones in which we live, perhaps you would like to know something about them. In the days when these old Greeks were so brave and noble, and had such beautiful thoughts about the world, they did not care much what kind of houses they lived in. The weather in their country was so fine that they did not stay in-doors very much. Besides, they cared more about building suitable temples for the gods, and putting up beautiful statues about the city, than they did about building fine houses for themselves. So their houses were usually very small and plain. They did not have a yard around the houses, but built them close together, as we do in some of our large cities. Instead of having their yard in front, or at the sides of the house, they had it in the middle, with the house built all around it.

That is the way many people in other lands build their houses even now; and this inner yard they call a court-yard. Around three sides of the court-yard the Greeks had pleasant porches in wh8ich the boys and girls could play when it was too hot for them to be out in the open yard And opening off on all sides from the porches were the rooms of the house. In the middle of one of the largest of these rooms, there was always an altar to the goddess Hestia. This was a block of stone on which a fire was always kept burning. The Greeks did not have chimneys to their houses, so they would leave a square hole in the roof just over the altar to let the smoke out. And as they had no stoves, all the food for the family was usually cooked over this fire on the altar. Picture of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth Whenever there was any change made in the family they offered sacrifices to Hestia. If a baby was born, or if there was a wedding, or if one of the family died, they must sacrifice to Hestia.

Also whenever any one set out on a journey, or returned home from one, and even when a new slave was brought into the family, Hestia must be worshiped, or else they were afraid some evil would come upon their home. The Greeks thought that the people of a city were just a larger family, so they thought that every city, as well as every house, must have an altar to Hestia. In the town-hall, where the men who ruled the city met together, there was an altar to the goddess of the hearth; and on it, too, a fire was always kept burning. These old Greeks were very careful never to let this altar fire go out. If by any chance it did go out, then they were not allowed to start it again from another fire, or even to kindle it by striking a bit of flint and piece of steel together, - for of course they had not matches. They were obliged to kindle it either by rubbing two dry sticks together, or else by means of a burning-glass. Otherwise they thought Hestia would be displeased.

The Greeks were a daring people, and very fond of going to sea, and trading with distant countries Sometimes, indeed, part of the people of a city would decide to leave their old home, and start a new city in some far-off place with which they traded. When such a party started out, they always carried with them some of the sacred fire from the altar of Hestia in the mother city. With this they would light the altar-fire in their new home. In this way the worship of Hestia helped to make the Greeks feel that they were all members of one great family, and prevented those who went away from forgetting the city from which they came. The Legend and Myth about Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth The Myth of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth The story of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth is featured in the book entitled Greek Gods, Heroes and Men by Caroline H. Harding and Samuel B. Harding, published in 1906 by Scott, Foresman and Company.

Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth - A Myth with a Moral Many of the ancient Myth Stories, like the legend of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth, incorporate tales with morals that provided the old story-tellers with short examples of exciting tales for kids and children of how to act and behave and reflected important life lessons. The characters of the heroes in this type of fable demonstrated the virtues of courage, love, loyalty, strength, perseverance, leadership and self reliance. Whereas the villains demonstrated all of the vices and were killed or punished by the gods. The old, famous myth story and fable, like Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth, were designed to entertain, thrill and inspire their young listeners... The Myth of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth - the Magical World of Myth & Legend The story of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth is one of the fantastic stories featured in ancient mythology and legends. Such stories serve as a doorway to enter the world of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The names of so many of the heroes and characters are known today through movies and games but the actual story about such characters are unknown.

Reading a myth story such as Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth is the easy way to learn about the stories of the classics. The Magical World of Myth and Legend The Short Story and Myth of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth The myth about Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth is featured in the book entitled Greek Gods, Heroes and Men by Caroline H. Harding and Samuel B. Harding, published in 1906 by Scott, Foresman and Company. Learn about the exciting adventures and dangerous quests undertaken by the mythical characters that feature in the hero myths, fables and stories about the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece and Rome that are available on this website. Myths and Stories about gods and goddesses Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth Short story of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth A Myth Story of the Ancient World The gods, goddesses of the ancient Myth Stories & Legends The monsters and beasts of classical Mythology The story of Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth by Caroline H. Harding and Samuel B. Harding A famous Myth Story and fable of the Ancient World for schools and kids

Question: Who is Greek mythology was the goddess of the hearth?
Answer: Hestia