History of

• Hestia was the first-born child of the Titans Cronos and Rhea. Her siblings included her sisters, Demeter and Hera, and her brothers, Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. Cronos feared a prophecy that a child of his would replace him, so he swallowed each of his children as they were born. Cronos was eventually tricked into swallowing a stone wrapped in swaddling cloth in place of Zeus, at which time he regurgitated each of his children in reverse order of when they were swallowed. Because Hestia was born first and was the last to be regurgitated, she was referred to as the first and the last.
  
  

Features

• Apollyon and Poseidon both sought the hand of Hestia in marriage. She refused, vowing a life of chastity. Hestia was a true peacemaker at heart. She gave up her seat among the 12 original Olympians to Dionysus in order to prevent future conflict. Zeus was pleased with Hestia's decision to remain a virgin, and thankful that her passive nature helped to avoid disputes among the Olympians. He offered Hestia the position of tending to the sacred and eternal fire of Mount Olympus, which she accepted.
  
  

Benefits

• Hestia was worshiped in the temples of the other Greek gods and always received a portion of their offerings. In many instances, both the first and last portions of the offerings were set aside in dedication to Hestia, in reference to her birth legend.
  
  

Function

• The virginal goddess was content to remain at home, tending the sacred fire and taking care of household matters. Although Hestia was not involved in the adventures of the other Olympian gods, she was considered Chief of the Goddesses. Hestia could be considered the original homebody.
  
  

Identification

• Hestia was Goddess of the Hearth, presiding over the hearths of individual homes and public places. In both Greek and Roman culture (in Rome, Hestia was worshiped under the name of Vesta), a home's hearth was not allowed to burn out, but had to be ritually extinguished and renewed. To allow the fire to go out meant discontent for members of the household.
  
  

Significance

• Hestia was the true embodiment of a passive nature. She was a goddess of tranquility, harmony and well-being. Hestia was widely revered as the goddess of the hearth and domestic life. She was gentle, serene and dignified. Hestia guarded the hearth, making it a place of peace, comfort and security.