Hestia

HestiaBy Sean McQuinn

Goddess of the HearthPrimarily looked over the hearth and the sacrificial flameAlso: architecture, domesticity, the family, and the state

Origin StoryDaughter of Cronus (Kronos) and RheaWas first to be swallowed and last to be spit upThus, known as the eldest and the youngest

AttributesRarely seen or portrayedWore plain clothes and rarely left homeTook care of Mount OlympusThe Hearth and its fire is her most recognizable objectDirect predecessor of the Olympic torchMajor ChildrenNone

Cities and SanctuariesDid not become patron of a cityInstead, every city has a sanctuary to protect those in needOpen roof, hearth with a flame in every oneStoryHestia was known as a compassionate, reliable, forgiving, and kind Goddess. She never left home, instead opting to stay and tend the household. She was so non-confrontational that, in order to preserve the peace on Olympus, she gave up her position as one of the 12 major Gods to Dionysus.