Hestia is the Greek Goddess of the hearth and home. She is the sister of Zeus, and the oldest of the children of Cronus and Rhea. However, despite her importance, there is actually very little information about this Goddess available.
When Zeus defeated their father Cronus and became the ruler of Olympia, he tasked Hestia with maintaining the hearth of Olympia. As such, she is also seen as the Goddess of the sacrificial fires, and was always given the first offering during every domestic sacrifice. Her name even means 'hearth', 'fireplace', or 'altar'.
In many public areas during the Ancient Greek period would stand a prytaneum - structures and buildings where officials and/or winners of the Olympic Games would meet. The hearth in these buildings were seen as Hestia's official sanctuary, and whenever a new settlement was created, a flame from her hearth would be carried to this new colony.
When Zeus defeated their father Cronus and became the ruler of Olympia, he tasked Hestia with maintaining the hearth of Olympia. As such, she is also seen as the Goddess of the sacrificial fires, and was always given the first offering during every domestic sacrifice. Her name even means 'hearth', 'fireplace', or 'altar'.
In many public areas during the Ancient Greek period would stand a prytaneum - structures and buildings where officials and/or winners of the Olympic Games would meet. The hearth in these buildings were seen as Hestia's official sanctuary, and whenever a new settlement was created, a flame from her hearth would be carried to this new colony.
In Ancient Greece, the hearth was an essential part of domestic life. It provided food and warmth, and tending to the hearth was a key part of the homely duties. To let the hearth die out showed failure in these duties. Care of the hearth often fell to the woman of the household, although men were also welcome to tend it. Where a public hearth was used, the rites which surrounded them were often performed by members of the civil office.
Hestia was also one of the virgin Goddesses, along with Artemis and Athena. It is said that both Poseidon and Apollo fell in love with her and wished to marry her. However, she instead went to Zeus and swore an oath that she would take no husband and instead dedicate herself to her duty of maintaining the hearth. As she had bound herself to the hearth of Olympia, there are very few tales involving Hestia, or even depictions of her. In the few that remain, she is shown plainly, wearing a robe and a head crown.
As the Goddess of the hearth, she is a great deity to call upon to protect and bless the home, the family, and all domestic activities. Dedicate and share food with her, clean and tend to your space in her name, light candles to represent her sacred fire, and ask her to bless your home and everyone in it to honour this ancient Goddess.
Hestia was also one of the virgin Goddesses, along with Artemis and Athena. It is said that both Poseidon and Apollo fell in love with her and wished to marry her. However, she instead went to Zeus and swore an oath that she would take no husband and instead dedicate herself to her duty of maintaining the hearth. As she had bound herself to the hearth of Olympia, there are very few tales involving Hestia, or even depictions of her. In the few that remain, she is shown plainly, wearing a robe and a head crown.
As the Goddess of the hearth, she is a great deity to call upon to protect and bless the home, the family, and all domestic activities. Dedicate and share food with her, clean and tend to your space in her name, light candles to represent her sacred fire, and ask her to bless your home and everyone in it to honour this ancient Goddess.
