In Greek mythology, Hestia represented the sacred hearth and domestic fire on Mount Olympus.
Hestia was the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea and the goddess of the hearth, home, and family. The hearth was central to ancient Greek religious and household life, so her role extended beyond a private fireplace: public buildings and cities also maintained sacred fires connected with communal identity.
Hestia was counted among the original Olympians in many traditions. Myths describe her giving up her seat among the twelve Olympians to Dionysus, allowing the number to remain twelve. Unlike many Olympian gods, Hestia is not associated with dramatic battles or romantic adventures.
Her name is sometimes confused with the Roman goddess Vesta, but Vesta is the Roman counterpart of Hestia. The Greek word hestia also referred to a hearth, linking the goddess directly to the household fire she protected.