Hestia was known by other names, depending on the civilization that worshipped her. In Rome, she was Vesta (of virgin fame) while in the Germanic tribes, she was Hertha. Although there are not many surviving myths about Hesita, she was one of the most revered Goddesses in the pantheon.

What did she do that was so important? She was the Goddess of the kitchen fire or the hearth. That doesn't seem like such a big deal to modern day people used to electric or gas stoves and heaters, but the home fire was the center of all family life for ancient peoples. Even today, families tend to congregate in the kitchen.

The Sacred Flame

The home fire was usually kept burning all of the time - even if just by keeping embers hot until the next phase. This helpful fire illuminated, nourished and warmed. Although there were raw foods available in ancient Greece, they often were only available at certain times. With the hearth fire, you could have comforting food and drink year-round.

The heat from the fire could also help make home remedies, which often relied on heating wine with herbs or even just getting an ill person into the warm. This flame was indeed sacred because it symbolised order from chaos.

And who tended the hearth fire in most Greek homes? A mother, grandmother or female slave. So, naturally, Hestia had to be a woman, as well. She helped represent the common decency and harmony of home life upon which civilizations could be founded.

Why a Virgin?

It is puzzling as to why Hestia (and Vesta) were virgins, since most Greek or Roman homes lacked virgins. Perhaps because they so devoted to their duties of tending the sacred flame that they really had no time for the baser instincts of the flesh. Besides, she needed no male to perform her duties. Perhaps by remaining a virgin, she could remain more powerful than if she had to share her duties with another.

Vestal virgins were infamous for having to serve in Vesta's temple for thirty years (which usually was a life sentence, for women rarely lived beyond forty in those days).

Hestia Mythology

Hestia was left alone by the other usually meddlesome Greek Deities. She was one of the original seven Olympic Gods, being one of the daughters of the Titans Cronos and Rhea. Depending on what source you read, she is either the eldest or the youngest daughter. She also had the distinction of being the only Olympian to eventually give up her exalted status.

There could be no more than twelve Olympic deities, for some reason. But when Dionysius invented wine and drew a sizeable following, well, he just had to be made a deity. It is said that Hestia voluntarily gave up her seat of power and let Dionysius have it.

This is entirely in keeping with her character of keeping peace and harmony within the home.

Learn more about this author, Rena Sherwood.
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