The Twelve Gods, depicted clockwise from top center are: Zeus, Hephaestus, Athena, Apollo, Hermes, Artemis, Poseidon, Eros, Aphrodite, Ares, Dionysus, Hades, Hestia, Demeter, Hera
Hestia is a Greek goddess and the personification of the hearth and home. Her Roman counterpart is called Vesta.
Mythology
According to the Greek mythology, the Titan Kronos devoured every child he begat with his sister-wife Rhea. When Zeus saved his siblings, they accompanied him as the new gods, and became part of the twelve mightiest. In order from oldest to youngest, the children were Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades and Poseidon before Zeus. [citation needed]
Influence and legacy
While temples dedicated to Hestia were rare, all prytaneums were considered her sanctuaries, and housed an altar specifically dedicated to her. Even if sacrificed to other gods were offered, a part of them was always reserved to Hestia. [citation needed]
6th century BCE
During the 6th century BCE, the town of Pythagoreion on the island of Samos had an altar dedicated to Hestia, whom Kyros of Zarax revered.[1]
5th century BCE
During the Peloponnesian War, the best known prytaneion was the Prytaneion within the Sanctuary of Olympia, where the Olympic flame burned. Athens also housed one.[2]
Behind the scenes
Hestia's name is the Greek word ἑστίᾰ (hestía) for 'home, hearth, altar'; the Greek word for 'restaurant, banquet hall', εστιατόριο (estiatório), is derived from ἑστίᾰ.
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Project Legacy (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (mentioned only)