When I say the words ‘Greek gods’, the first thing that may come in your mind are the Olympians. The Olympians are 12 Greek gods and goddesses, from Zeus to Dionysus. But did you know that there are 2 more major gods?

Yes. Though they are not part of the 12, Hades and Hestia were very important deities, maybe even more powerful than Zeus. Okay, you might know Hades, God of the Underworld, Eldest son of Kronos and Rhea, etc. But, have you even heard about Hestia? No? Well here I am to fill you in on the First and Last Olympian.

Hestia was the Greek goddess of the Hearth, Home, Family and Fire. She was the Eldest child of Kronos and Rhea. Unfortunately, her life was not, ‘bright’, I guess? Basically, the day she was born, her father gobbled her up because he missed breakfast. Just kidding! Kronos felt threatened by his infant daughter. So he swallowed her whole, leaving her trapped in the stomach of Mighty Kronos.

Soon, her siblings joined her later, until her younger brother, Zeus saved them by making Kronos vomit them out. DISGUSTING!!!

So, anyway as the first person that was swallowed, she was at the last in line for release. That caused her to be the youngest sibling, according to Zeus. (Wanted to be the King) That is why she is called ‘The First and Last Olympian’.

If I had to talk about her, she was like ‘Fire’. If you treated her well, respected her, gave her offerings and helped people in need, she would be like a campfire, all happy and cozy. But, make her mad and you will be ashes. Gulp*

Moving on, her symbols of Godhood were the hearth, fire and the Donkey. She was the ‘Gentlest’ of the gods, was so kind to leave her throne for Dionysus, the Wine God and had no children as she was a sworn Maiden.

Not many stories were written about Hestia, but I can tell you one thing she would agree with, is that;