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The Hearth of Home: Exploring the Mythology and Symbolism of Hestia


Hestia, also known as Vesta

Origin/Culture: Greek/Roman

Domain/Role: Hearth, Home, Family

Symbol/Iconography: Hearth, Fire, Kettle

Mythology/Stories: Hestia gave up her seat on Mount Olympus for Dionysus

Family Relationships: Daughter of Cronus and Rhea, siblings include Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, and Hera

Attributes/Qualities: Warmth, Hospitality, Stability

Depictions/Representations: Often shown as a veiled woman tending to a hearth

Worship/Temples: Hestia’s flame was kept burning in every household in ancient Greece

Symbols/Animals: Donkey, Pig

Historical Influence: Hestia’s presence ensured the safety and prosperity of the home

Sacred Texts: Hestia is mentioned in the Homeric Hymns

Evolution: Over time, Hestia became less prominent in Greek mythology

Modern Influence: Hestia is still honored in modern Pagan and Wiccan practices

Titles/Epithets: “First and Last,” “Goddess of the Hearth”

Sacred Sites: The Temple of Vesta in Rome

Attributes/Artifacts: Hestia’s hearth and kettle

Allies/Adversaries: Allies include Zeus and Hera, no known adversaries

Cosmology: Hestia is the eldest of the Olympian gods

Philosophical/Religious Significance: Hestia represents the importance of family and home

Power Score: 150/200

Attack Points: 30/50

Weapons/Tools: Hestia wields a magical hearth fire that can bring warmth and comfort to those in need.