GREEK MYTHOLOGY

BY DIANA OLMOS

Hestia

The Greek goddess I indetify most with is Hestia, because she possesses the following characteristics. Hestia is the greek goddess of hearth and home. Hestia is one of the fourteen gods and goddesses that were worshiped by the greeks. Of all of the Gods, Hestia was the mildest,the most tender and loving,and the most forgiving. Hestia was the first born of Cronos and Rhea. Her brothers were Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. Her sisters were Demeter and Hera. When the gods Apollo and Poseidon sought for her hand in marriage, Hestia refused and asked Zeus to let her remain an eternal virgin. He agreed and she took her place at his royal hearth. She swore to remain at home forever and take care of the orphans because she didn't have any children. Hestia live on Earth instead of in Olympia like some other gods. Hestia appeared as a sweet, modestly dressed young woman. She was often shown wearing a veil. Hestia's symbol is the hearth and the tamed fire which burns there. Hestia's strengths are constant, calm, gentle, and supportive of the family and home and her weaknesses are cool emotionally. Hestia played no parts in myths and there were not very statues or paintings of her. Hestia's roman name was Vesta.