Hestia (the Roman Vesta) is the goddess of the
hearth. She was the eldest daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and the sister
of Zeus and Hera.
Zeus gave her permission not to marry. She gave her throne on Olympus to
Hermes,
but remained there by the hearth. All other gods traveled and had many
adventures, Hestia always remained home and kept fire in the Olympian hearth
to welcome all her relatives back. She is a symbol of a warm friendly home.
See: Francisco de Goya. The
Sacrifice to Vesta.
Titian An
Allegory, Perhaps of Marriage, with Vesta and Hymen as Protectors and Advisers
of the Union of Venus and Mars.