Héstia

Héstia is a figure from ancient Greek mythology, primarily known as the virgin goddess of the hearth, home, domesticity, family, and the state. She was one of the twelve Olympian gods, the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and the sister of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, and Hera.

Héstia's role was central to the concept of the household and the continuity of civilization. Her sacred hearth was considered the center of every home and every city. In ancient Greek rituals, a portion of every sacrifice was offered to Héstia, symbolizing her essential presence in all sacred and domestic affairs. Unlike many other gods who engaged in dramatic conflicts and adventures, Héstia remained a serene and unobtrusive deity. She was revered for her calm and stable nature, representing peace and order within the home and society.

She is often depicted as a modest and gentle woman, dressed in simple robes. Her symbols include the hearth fire, a kettle, and sometimes a torch or a wreath. Héstia famously vowed perpetual virginity, spurning the advances of both Poseidon and Apollo. In exchange for her virginity and to ensure her undisturbed presence at the hearth of Olympus, Zeus granted her a permanent place of honor at the hearth of the gods and a portion of every sacrifice offered to the deities. This elevated status, without the need for active intervention in mortal affairs, underscores her profound significance as a symbol of domestic tranquility and the unyielding flame of the home.