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Explore mythology and art with information about the classic stories of heroes and gods...from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, to the legends of the Celts. Mythography presents resources and reference materials about mythology - including recommended books, and lexicons that explain Greek, Roman, and Celtic terms.
Gardner's Art Through the Ages
This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.
Aphrodite in Art
Aphrodite in Myth
Art Themes
home | greek | gods | free spirits | Hestia
Hestia at a Glance
name | Hestia (’Estia)
role | goddess of the home and hearth
Hestia in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Hestia was the goddess of home and hearth, and she represented the ideal of purity in these areas. Possibly for this reason Hestia was an eternal virgin, deliberately remaining aloof from the advances of the male gods. It is important to note, however, that both Poseidon and Apollo sought to court her, but she refused them. Indeed, it is also worth mentioning that in the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, Hestia, along with Athena and Artemis, were the only goddesses immune to the passions aroused by the enchanting Aphrodite.
Hestia at a Glance
name | Hestia (’Estia)
role | goddess of the home and hearth
Hestia in Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Hestia was the goddess of home and hearth, and she represented the ideal of purity in these areas. Possibly for this reason Hestia was an eternal virgin, deliberately remaining aloof from the advances of the male gods. It is important to note, however, that both Poseidon and Apollo sought to court her, but she refused them. Indeed, it is also worth mentioning that in the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite, Hestia, along with Athena and Artemis, were the only goddesses immune to the passions aroused by the enchanting Aphrodite.
The goddess Hestia was one of the first generation of Olympians. According to the Greek poet Hesiod, she was the daughter of two Titans - Kronos and Rhea - and therefore also the sister of Demeter, Hades, Hera, Poseidon, and Zeus. Hesiod's Theogony features the following information about the birth of Hestia and her siblings (who were collectively to become known as Olympian gods and goddesses):
"Rhea succumbed to Kronos's love and bore him illustrious children,
Despite her importance in Greek religion, Hestia is not well represented in either mythology or art. Be that as it may, the goddess received her share of honors, including a dedicatory Homeric Hymn.
"Hestia, you who tend the sacred dwelling
Hestia was called Vesta in Roman mythology.
Who's Who in Classical Mythology
Bulfinch's Mythology
Mythography Forums
Hestia and Demeter and Hera, who walks in golden sandals,
imperious Hades, whose heart knows no mercy
in his subterranean dwelling, and the rumbling Earthshaker,
and Zeus the counselor and father of gods and men,
Zeus under whose thunder the wide earth quivers."
(Hesiod, Theogony, 453-458)
of the far-shooting lord, Apollo, at holy Pytho,
from your tresses flowing oil ever drips down.
Come to this house! Come in gentle spirit
with resourceful Zeus and grant grace to my song!"
This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters from Classical myth and legend.
The stories of Classical myth come to life in Bulfinch's book. This edition also features legends from other cultures.
Do you have a specific question about Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology? Then try the Mythography forum!
Bulfinch's Mythology
Mythology
The Oxford Classical Dictionary
