Hestia

Hestia is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea and the sister of Zeus. She is the goddess of fire, particularly the hearth, the symbol of the house around which a new born child is carried before it is received into the family. She is one of the three virgin goddesses, although both Apollo and Poseidon wooed her at one or another. Her temples were circular and served by virgin priestesses who dedicated their lives to her. Each city also had a public hearth sacred to Hestia, where the fire was never allowed to go out. Although she was rarely depicted in art, and played almost no part in myths, she was held in high honor, by both the Greeks and the Romans.

She represents personal security and the sacred duty of hospitality. She is a daughter of Cronus and Rhea. Since she has no part in the myths, she has no distinct personality. She did have the reputation of being the mildest, most upright, and most charitable of all the Olympians.

Each meal began and ended with an offering to her. Because she played the role of preserving peace on Olympus, Zues awarded her the first victim of every public sacrifice. She is also one of the three virgin goddesses. She gave up her place on the Council of Olympians for Dionysus.Hestia, in all dwellings of men and immortals

Yours is the highest honor, the sweet wine offered First and last at the feast, poured out to you duly.

An offering to Hestia at the beginning of each meal.

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