# data[].attributes.body
Hestia was a average shaped women, standing about six feet and two inches. She usually wore a veil and held a flowered branch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Kids learn about the goddess Hestia of Greek Mythology including her symbols, special powers, hearth, fire, cult of Hestia, home, and fun facts.

# data[].attributes.body
Hestia is the Goddess of the Hearth, also known as the a home fireplace. Fire was a very important part of survival and was very precious. It was valued so much because of how hard it was to preserve. Soon Hestia became the embodiment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
is the Greek goddess of the hearth, one of the original Twelve . ' and 's first-born child, she was pure and peaceful. However, since she always had to stay at home, tending the fireplace, is not involved in many . Consequently, at a later stage, she would be replaced in the Pantheon with the much wilder .

Hestia's Role

Name

's name means "hearth" or "fireplace," and her status shows how important the hearth was in the social and religious life of Ancient Greeks. Making and preserving fire was both essential and difficult for more primitive societies, which made the household fire a sacred element at a very early stage of history. In later days, became its embodiment.

Portrayal and Symbolism

However, 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.

Epithets

The Ancient Greeks didn't use too many epithets to describe her. "Beloved," "Eternal," and "She of the public hearth" were probably the most common.

was the first-born child of the and . Since she was also the first one to be swallowed at birth by her father - and, consequently, the last one to be disgorged - was oftentimes called the youngest of and 's children.
She had two sisters - and - and three brothers: , , and .
Who were Zeus' Lovers?
Hestia's Virginity, Peacefulness, and Domesticity

The Vow of Chastity

Since fire is a pure and a purifying element, was worshipped as a virgin goddess. And they say that she became a virgin in order to keep the peace at Olympus. Namely, both and wanted to marry her; fearing that choosing either of them may result in turmoil, swore to an eternal virginity by placing her hand on ' head. As a reward for maintaining the order and in place of marriage, granted her the central place in the house and the first and richest portion of humans' divine offerings.

Hestia, Priapus, and the Donkey

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

Hestia at Home

Gentle and peace-loving, doesn't appear in too many other than these two. Plato says that this is because she has to remain in the house of the gods, all alone, tending the eternal celestial fire even when all the other ritually pass in processions through heavens. This is both her privilege and her predicament.

Consequently, Hestia's only manifestation among humans was the crackling of the fire. Aristotle says that it is the sound of the goddess laughing.

You can read the myth about 's vow to remain a virgin in the 5th Homeric Hymn dedicated to Aphrodite, starting at verse 21 and ending at 32. Both the 24th and 29th Homeric Hymn are dedicated exclusively to her. Pindar evokes in few beautiful verses - the first seven in his 11th Nemean Ode.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
is the Greek goddess of the hearth, one of the original Twelve . ' and 's first-born child, she was pure and peaceful. However, since she always had to stay at home, tending the fireplace, is not involved in many . Consequently, at a later stage, she would be replaced in the Pantheon with the much wilder .

# data[].attributes.body
Hestia is a child of the God and Goddess, Cronus and Rhea. She is the oldest sister to Demeter, Hera, Hades, Poisedon, and Zues. She personified the fire buring in every Greek household. She is a beloved goddess and is worshipped at many temples.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hestia • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Hestia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hestia facts, information and stories from ancient Greek mythology. Learn about the Greek goddess of the hearth and domestic life, Hestia.

# data[].attributes.body
Hestia is a calm, peacfull goddess with a non-confrontational nature. She was also described as forgiving and descreet goddess.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Hestia • Facts and Information on Greek Goddess Hestia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Hestia facts, information and stories from ancient Greek mythology. Learn about the Greek goddess of the hearth and domestic life, Hestia.