THESTIA IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Hestia was one of the original Twelve Olympian deities, who resided upon Mount Olympus. Vesta was the
Roman equivalent of Hestia.

HESTIA FAMILY
Hestia was a sister of Zeus, for she was one of the 6 children born to Rhea from the seed of Cronus.
Hestia was normally named as the first of Cronus’ children to be conceived, followed by Demeter, Hera,
Hades, Poseidon and Zeus.

HESTIA FIRST BORN AND LAST BORN

Cronus was wary of a prophecy that stated one of his children would overthrow him; for Cronus was the
supreme god of the cosmos at the time. Thus, as Rhea gave birth to his children, Cronus swallowed
them, imprisoning them in his stomach.

Demeter, Hera, Hades and Poseidon would follow Hestia into the stomach of their father, but Zeus did not
suffer such a fate, for he was hidden away upon Crete, whilst a stone was substituted in his place.

When of age, Zeus returned to Crete, to lead a rebellion against Cronus and the rule of the Titans; and
one of the first acts of Zeus was to release his siblings from their imprisonment. Cronus was thus given a
potion which caused him to regurgitate Hestia and her siblings. As Hestia was the first imprisoned, she
was the last to be released, giving rise to the belief that Hestia was both the first born, and last born,
of the children of Cronus and Rhea.

HESTIA AND THE TITANOMACHY

The rebellion of Zeus evolved into the Titanomachy, the ten year war between the allies of Zeus, and
the Titans, and whilst Hades and Poseidon fought alongside Zeus, it was commonly said that Hestia,
Demeter and Hera, were sent to safety in the realm of Oceanus, where they were looked after by the
wife of Oceanus, Tethys.

The Titanomachy eventually ended, as did the rule of Cronus, and a new era of Greek mythology began,
with the time of the Olympians.

HESTIA UPON MOUNT OLYMPUS

Mount Olympus had been the headquarters of Zeus during the Titanomachy, and now it became home to
him and other deities, for Zeus was now confirmed as the supreme god.

Zeus was joined as an Olympian by Poseidon, Demeter, Hera and Hestia, and these five were followed by
Aphrodite, Apollo, Artemis, Athena, Hermes, Hephaestus and Ares.

Each of these twelve Olympians had their own throne in the council room upon Mount Olympus, and unlike
the thrones of the other gods and goddesses, the throne of Hestia was made of plain wood and was
unadorned.

HESTIA GODDESS OF THE HEARTH

The name Hestia is normally translated as hearth or fireplace, and this was her role in Greek
mythology, for Hestia was the Greek goddess of the Hearth.

Today, this might not seem an important accolade, but in Ancient Greece the hearth was central to
family life, settlements and political positions; for the earth provided warmth, was used to cook
food, and also used to make sacrifices.

Each Greek settlement had its own sacred hearth dedicated to Hestia, and when new colonies were
established, fire from the hearth of the first settlement was taken to light the hearth of the new one.

Hestia also tended the hearth of Mount Olympus, where the sacrifices of men were used to keep the fires
of Mount Olympus burning.
Hestia's Portrayal and Symbolism
There are very few pictorial representations of Hestia. Usually, she is portrayed as a modest middle-aged
veil-wearing woman. Sometimes, she stands by a large fire, carrying a staff or holding some flowers in her
hands.

HESTIA THE VIRGIN GODDESS

Hestia was one of the virgin goddesses of Greek mythology, alongside her nieces, Artemis and Athena.

Only once was Hestia’s chastity subsequently put in danger. At a rustic feast, the drunken god of fertility
Priapus tried to rape the sleeping goddess. Fortunately, a donkey started braying and woke up both
Hestia and the guests, who chased Priapus away in contempt. Ever since, donkeys were rested and
garlanded on Hestia’s feast-day.

Her beauty also attracted the attention of both Poseidon and Apollo, fearing that choosing either of them
may result in turmoil Hestia vowed to remain an eternal virgin by placing her hand on Zeus’ head in order to
keep the peace at Olympus and as a reward for maintaining the order and in place of marriage, Zeus
granted her the central place in the house and the first and richest portion of humans’ divine offerings.

HESTIA GIVES UP HER POSITION

Hestia was considered to be the mildest of the Olympian deities, and whilst most of the Greek gods and
goddesses were quick to anger, Hestia was said to avoid confrontation.

To this end is normally said that Hestia gave up her position as one of the Twelve Olympians when
Dionysus claimed that by rights he should be one of the twelve, to prevent conflict upon Mount
Olympus.

HESTIA'S OFFERINGS
As the goddess of the hearth, Hestia was often honored with the first and last offerings at feasts and
sacrifices. These offerings typically included wine, oil, and portions of the sacrificed animals.

I am here because when all else fails, when all the other mighty gods have gone off to war, I am all that's
left. Home. Hearth. I am the last Olympian.

Hestia: Embracing the Warmth of the Hearth and the Heart

As we explore the tranquil realm of Hestia, the Greek goddess of the hearth, we come to appreciate the
significance of her role in the daily lives of the Ancient Greeks. Hestia's steadfast dedication to her duties,
as well as her commitment to peace and purity, reflect the essential nature of fire as both a life-giving and
purifying force. Her story, though seldom told, serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of warmth,
comfort, and community in our own lives. In today's fast-paced world, we could all benefit from embracing
the virtues of Hestia, focusing on the simple joys of home and the connections that bind us together.