Table of Contents
What did Hestia protect?
Hestia maintained the hearth fire of both Mount Olympus and the homes of the Greeks. This fire was important because it was used for cooking and for keeping the home warm. Hestia also helped to keep peace in the family and taught people how to build their homes.
Does Hestia have a weapon?
She was the eldest daughter and oldest child of Kronos and Rhea. Hestia is represented as a powerful Goddess that is represented in families and homes, and fire, and she is just as powerfu l as she is kind….
| Hestia | |
|---|---|
| Roman Name: | Vesta |
| Title: | Goddess of Home and Hearth |
| Weapons: | None |
What are Hestia’s sacred items?
GENERAL INFO
| SYMBOLS | Hearth |
|---|---|
| ATTRIBUTES | Kettle or ketteldrum; Modest head-veil |
| CHARIOT | None described |
| SACRED PLANTS / FLOWERS | Unknown flowering plant (see image below) |
| SACRED ANIMALS | perhaps Swine (Greek “hus”) |
What is Hestia physical appearance?
Appearance: A sweet, modestly dressed young woman. She often is shown wearing a veil. This is not unusual. Veils were common among ancient Greek women.
What was Hestia’s physical appearance?
Was Hestia good or bad?
Hestia was known to be very gentle and mild. She was kind, forgiving, and content. She chose the life she wanted — a life that did not include marriage or wild adventures. She was able to provide for others and to devote her life to her family and community.
What was the role of Hestia in Greek mythology?
She protected the sanctity of the house, and was the patron of the State Council and Parliament. She was the eldest daughter and oldest child of Kronos and Rhea. Hestia is represented as a powerful Goddess that is represented in families and homes, and fire, and she is just as powerfu l as she is kind.
Why was the Civic fire important to Hestia?
The civic fire of a city was an important symbol of the bonds between members of the community. Just like a family, the people in a city relied on one another and looked out for the common good. This fire also allowed for civic leaders to make sacrifices to their patron god or goddess.
Where was the sacred hearth of Hestia located?
This public hearth usually existed in the prytaneium of a town, where the goddess had her especial sanctuary (thalamos), under the name of Prutanitis, with a statue and the sacred hearth. There the prytanes offered sacrifices to her, on entering upon their office, and there, as at a private hearth, Hestia protected the suppliants.
Why did Hestia reject the idea of marriage?
Hestia was not the only Greek goddess to reject the idea of marriage. Many of the female deities were sworn virgins. This decision was often made as a solemn oath, meaning that it would bring the goddess great shame if she were to go back on it.