Classical Mythology

THE TWELVE OLYMPIANS: ZEUS, HERA, AND THEIR CHILDREN 109

Cronus m. Rhea

I I I I I I

Hestia Hades Poseidon Demeter Hera Zeus

Zeus m. Hera Zeus m. Metis

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I I 1 1

Hebe Hephaestus Ares Eileithyia Athena

Zeus m. Leto Zeus m. Maia

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I I

Apollo Artemis Hermes

Zeus m. Semele Zeus m. Dione

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Dionysus Aphrodite

Figure 5.1. The Lineage of Major Deities

There are two Homeric Hymns to Hestia. Number 24 briefly calls on her as

the manifestation of the protecting flame of the sacred hearth in a temple:

Hestia, you who tend the hallowed house of the far-shooter Apollo in holy Pytho,

liquid oil always drips from your hair.^3 Come to this house; enter in sympa-

thetic support, along with Zeus, the wise counselor. Grant as well a pleasing

grace to my song.

In number 29, Hestia is invoked as the protectress of the hearth in the home;

the poet appeals to the god Hermes as well, since both deities protect the house

and bring good fortune.

Hestia, you have as your due an everlasting place in the lofty homes of immortal

gods and human beings who walk on earth—the highest of honors and a pre-

cious right. For without you, there are no banquets for mortals where one does

not offer honey-sweet wine as a libation to Hestia, first and last.

And you, Hermes, the slayer of Argus, son of Zeus and Maia, messenger of

the blessed gods, bearer of a golden staff and giver of good things, along with

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