Hestia(Vesta)Ancient Greek Goddess of the HearthHestia is not mentioned in many myths, but that doesn't mean she wasn't an important deity. She is the first born daughter of the Titans, Cronus and Rhea, sister to the cloud-gatherer, Zeus. And like her other brothers and sisters, she was swallowed by her father Cronus and remained in his stomach until saved by Zeus. Her name literally means hearth in Greek, which is why she is the Greek goddess of the heath and its sacred fires. Fire is needed for the survival of mankind ans so she also becomes a protector of the home and its family. She is often invoked along with the Greek god Hermes, who also protects the house. What started off as just protecting the home extended to tribe, city, and state and eventually to foreign Greek colonies. In sacrificial rituals she is often invoked first and libations were poured in her honor first.
She rejected the amorous advances of Poseidon and Apollo and vowed to remain a virgin. The powers of Aphrodite can hold no strength over her. Along with the Greek goddesses Athena and Artemis, she is a goddess of chastity. LinksHestia Experience Ancient Greece Home Page Ancient Greek Gods Jenny Ervin Contact Me
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