The Story of Hestia
Hestia was the firstborn child of the Titans Cronus and Rhea. Because she was the eldest, she was the first to be swallowed by her father, and when Zeus forced Cronus to bring up his children, she was the last to emerge. For this reason the Greeks called her both the oldest and the youngest of the gods.
After the Titans were defeated, Hestia took her place among the Olympians. She was a calm and gentle goddess who avoided the quarrels and wars that filled the lives of her brothers and sisters. Her domain was the hearth, the fire at the center of every home, where families cooked their meals and gathered together.
Both Poseidon and Apollo asked to marry her, but Hestia turned them down. She swore by the head of Zeus that she would remain a maiden forever, and Zeus honored her vow. In return, he gave her a place at the center of every house and the first share of every sacrifice made to the gods.
Hestia had no husband and no children, but she was close to the whole family of gods. On Olympus she tended the sacred fire that never went out, and she rarely left her home. Because of this, she appears in very few myths, which suits a goddess whose power lay in quiet, steady care rather than in adventure.
Although she has few stories of her own, Hestia was present in nearly every part of Greek life. Every meal began and ended with an offering to her, and any sacrifice to the gods began with a prayer in her name. The Homeric Hymns describe her as honored above all in the homes of both gods and mortals.
Every Greek city had a public hearth, usually in its town hall, the prytaneion, where a fire burned in her honor day and night. When colonists set out to found a new city, they carried fire from their home city's hearth to light the first flame in their new home. A newborn child was also carried around the family hearth to welcome it into the household.
Hestia remains a symbol of home, warmth and family. In Rome she was worshipped as Vesta, and her eternal flame was guarded by the famous Vestal Virgins in her round temple in the Forum. Though she rarely appears in the great myths, she was at the heart of everyday Greek life, as constant as the fire she kept.
Famous Myths About Hestia
First Swallowed, Last Freed
As the firstborn child of Cronus and Rhea, Hestia was the first to be swallowed by her father. When Zeus made Cronus disgorge his children, she came out last, so she was called both the eldest and the youngest.
A Vow of Chastity
Both Poseidon and Apollo wished to marry Hestia, but she refused them and swore by the head of Zeus to remain a maiden forever. Zeus honored her choice and gave her a place at the center of every home and the first portion of every sacrifice.
Priapus and the Donkey
During a festival, the rustic god Priapus tried to approach the sleeping Hestia. A donkey brayed loudly and woke her, and the startled goddess escaped, which is why the donkey was honored in her festivals in Roman tradition.
Where to See Hestia in Greece
Hestia's Family Tree
Partners of Hestia
Children of Hestia
Frequently Asked Questions About Hestia
Who is Hestia in Greek mythology?
Hestia is the goddess of the hearth, the home, the family and the sacred fire. Every home and city kept a hearth fire in her honor.
Who are Hestia's parents?
Hestia is the eldest child of Cronus and Rhea. She was the first to be swallowed by Cronus and the last to be released.
Was Hestia one of the twelve Olympians?
Hestia was one of the original Olympians. Some later lists include Dionysus in her place, and a popular modern retelling says she gave up her seat to keep the peace.
Was Hestia ever married?
No. Both Poseidon and Apollo wanted to marry her, but Hestia swore to remain a virgin forever.
What are Hestia's symbols?
Hestia's symbols are the hearth fire, the kettle and the veil.
What is Hestia's Roman name?
The Romans called Hestia Vesta, and her sacred fire in Rome was kept by the Vestal Virgins.
