In Greek mythology, Hestia was the goddess who protected the household hearth. The hearth was the central fire of a Greek home and also had important civic and religious significance.
Hestia was a daughter of Cronus and Rhea and a sister of Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and Hades. She was counted among the original Olympians in many traditions, though later stories say she gave her seat to Dionysus so the Olympian group could remain at twelve.
Unlike many Olympian gods, Hestia is not associated with dramatic adventures or warfare. Her importance came from stability, domestic order, hospitality, and the sacred fire maintained in homes and public buildings. Families offered her the first portion of meals and drinks.
Hestia’s Roman counterpart was Vesta. The Roman Vestal Virgins maintained a public sacred fire dedicated to Vesta, creating a close cultural parallel. Hestia should not be confused with Demeter, whose primary sphere was agriculture and the harvest.