mythologyrules:

Aninteractive world map has now been created where all hellenic polytheists can add their location, and find others of the same religion.

You don’t have to create an account to add your location.
Select “Additions” in the top left corner of the page, and click the first option: “Add Marker - Simple”. A pop-up window will now appear and ask you for your information. Fill in your name, location, and under “directions” you can fill in any contact information you wish to leave. I have chosen to write my email address and this blog’s URL in case anyone wants to get in touch. Your entry is saved by clicking “submit”.

I hope all my Hellenic polytheist followers will consider adding your location to this map, and please help spread the word to any people you might know of this religion! :)

I am a tree.

My roots penetrate deep into the Earth, I grow strong and I gain knowledge from the nature that surrounds me. I am calm, I am collected, and I am strong.

My body grows up, it is hardened on the outside to protect me. It branches off into my many limbs. I stand tall, swaying in the breeze.

kharmophron:

cant believe i didnt put this up here!

graphic design is my passion

philhelias:

Silver-tongued Mercury, I sing of you today, 

of you, master of the golden wand, hawk-winged, fast-paced messenger,

of you, keeper of paths and roads, one who guides the lost ones, kind traveller, 

of you, leader of heralds, brother to shepherds, pipe playing lyre-maker, 

of you, lord of robbers and thiefs, deceitful trickster, lie-singing joyous athlete, 

of you, friend of man, loving protector, one who does no harm, dear companion, 

let my love translate into each tongue for you deserve it, 

let my adoration grow by day for there is never enough, 

let my trust keep you warm through your long travels

for you are in my heart,

busy one, 

and shall remain there forever.

opatofazquack:

Hermes is both a young and old minded god. He has seen everything, heard everything and experienced many things and yet he has that young soul, seeking adventure and new emotions. He’s beautiful for that.

avesnoir:

Hermes, the Messenger & Guide

I n t r o d u c t i o n ༄

Hermes is a god of many domains and epithets that span across multiple cultures and history. Some of these associations have even held over into the modern century. For this series, I’ll be writing about specific epithets for him, along with the associated cult worship, history, and connected associations.

It would be remiss of me to not discuss one his most well known and widespread associations ; a messenger of the gods. We can see this association repeated over and over again in multiple myths, whether that be him assisting the gods, heroes, or mortals. First I’ll be discussing his connecting epithets and surnames, followed by cult worship, and lastly his connecting mythos. All three of these play an intertwining and intrinsic part to his worship as a messenger god.

E p i t h e t s ༄

Epithets are one the key ways we’re able to fully understand how the gods were viewed and what their associations were. Epithets were often tied into local worship and mythos, along with personal rituals for said epithet of the god. Something not necessarily unique, but not that common either, was that Hermes did not have a state wide cult worshipped across Greece. He didn’t really even have temples outside a few select ones, such as his temple at Mount Kyllene in Arkadia, the origins of his birth place, as his worship was done out in the everyday lives of the common man. He was worshipped on roads, at gymnasiums, and was a patron of heralds and farmers.

Below you’ll find a list of his epithets relating directly to his aspect as a messenger and guide. First in Greek, followed by the Latin translation, and lastly the English meaning.

C u l t W o r s h i p ༄

As for his cult worship, one of the biggest indicators of his worship as a guide are the hermae, or boundary stones. These stones would be placed on roads as mile markers, and were also associated with ensuring fertility to the local stock and providing luck for the passerby.

“Socrates…proceeded, with the design of educating those of the countryside, to set up figures of Hermes (Hermai) for them along the roads in the midst of the city and every district town .”

• Plato, Hipparchus 228d (trans. Lamb) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.)

One of the most interesting things about these stones was their physical depiction. The stones stood tall on long rectangular blocks with a sculpture of Hermes’ head at the top and then towards the middle part was a depiction of a phallus that would be protruding from the stone. As of right now there isn’t any clear indication as to why this is a feature on the stone, other than the possible connection to his aspect as a god of fertility.

The origins of these stones can be found with the Pelesigians, who instructed the Athenians in how to go about creating these markers. This is shown in the quote below from Herodutus, Histories:

“The ithyphallic images of Hermes [i.e. the Hermai]; the production of these came from the Pelasgians [of Arkadia and Thessalia], from whom the Athenians were the first Greeks to take it, and then handed it on to others. For the Athenians were then already counted as Greeks when the Pelasgians came to live in the land with them and thereby began to be considered as Greeks. Whoever has been initiated into the rites of the Kabeiroi, which the Samothrakians learned from the Pelasgians and now practice, understands what my meaning is [the Kabeiroi gods were the keepers of a sacred phallus]. Samothrake was formerly inhabited by those Pelasgians who came to live among the Athenians, and it is from them that the Samothrakians take their rites. The Athenians, then, were the first Greeks to make ithyphallic images of Hermes, and they did this because the Pelasgians taught them. The Pelasgians told a certain sacred tale about this, which is set forth in the Samothrakian mysteries.”

There’s also evidence in there possibly being various styles as per the quote below from Pausanias:

“At the Arkadian gate [of Ithome, Messenia] leading to Megalopolis is a Herma of Attic style; for the square form of Herma is Athenian, and the rest adopted it thence.”

These statues were the most popular among the Athenians, who had them placed all over the city of Athens and were venerated in honor of Hermes. They would be anointed with olive oil and decorated with laurel leaves, a symbol of great importance amongst the Greeks.

One epithet for him that relates directly to these stones is Hermes Trikephalos, or Hermes the Three Headed. This was a specific hermai that had three heads of hermes pointing to each direction at the crossroads with an inscription of said roads. We also have evidence showing that the nose of the statues were typically rubbed down and polished, most likely due to people rubbing it for good luck and because of Hermes’ connection to fertility.

From this we have a clear indication of how Hermes was viewed in everyday life in ancient Greece. He was a part of their walk to work, to the neighbors, and to neighboring towns, directly contradicting the idea that the gods were separate and held only in lofty temples. Hermes was out on the dirt roads with every class of man, woman, and child - he truly was the common man’s god.

Outside of the hermai, Hermes statues were traditionally depicted with shoes with wings, a herald’s wand, and travelers hat also depicted with wings on each side of it. The wings are a key component to his attributes as they are the main way he’s able to travel and deliver messages for the gods. Lets not forget another one of his most iconic symbols that is used widely throughout the modern world today - the caudecus, or herald’s staff. This staff was not only used by Hermes, but by all heralds throughout Greece, who Hermes was a patron of. This staff was derived from the old cattle-herders crock and could possibly be tied back to Hermes’ myth about stealing Apollo’s sacred cows.

“Herald : And the gods gathered here, I greet them all; him, too, my own patron, Hermes, beloved herald, of heralds all revered.”

• Aeschylus, Agamemnon 513 ff

Outside of the heralds, Hermes is a god of birds of omen and the god of dreams, both of which were used to send messages. In relation to his connection with birds of omen, it was said that the birds themselves were dispatched by Apollo and only those who were under his patronage and a seer would be able to distinguish the prophetic messages from those of the regular “idle chatter” of birds.

“Whosoever shall come guided by the call and flight of birds of sure omen, that man shall have advantage through my voice, and I will not deceive him. But whoso shall trust to idly-chattering birds and shall seek to invoke my prophetic art contrary to my will, and to understand more than the eternal gods, I declare that he shall come on an idle journey; yet his gifts I would take …’

And from heaven father Zeus himself gave confirmation to his words, and commanded that glorious Hermes should be lord over all birds of omen.“

• Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 7

We now look to another one of his more popular ways of reaching out and connections - prophecy via dream. While Hypnos was the god of dreams, it was Hermes who delivered these dreams to mortals. Dreams of omen were seen as messages from the gods and ghosts of the dead. It was also heavily debated amongst ancient scholars what counted as a dream of omen, and where in prophetic hierarchy these dreams fell. It was eventually decided that outside of speaking to Oracles themselves, who were known to have a direct connection to the god they served under, dreams where a “natural” form of divination that required no tools compares to other forms of divination, such as pulling lots or using dice, to divine messages.

M y t h o l o g y ༄

Now we’ll focus on looking into various myths that were written by the Greeks depicting Hermes as a messenger. Well start off with one of the most well known writings of Greek mythology ; the Odyssey.

In the Odyssey we first come across Hermes assisting Odysseus on Circe’s island after his men have been turned into pigs. He disguises himself as a tenant of the island and directs Odysseus in how to turn himself immune to Circe’s potion used to turn men into animals. We also see Hermes again later after Odysseus is left abandoned on an island with Calypso for seven years until Hermes appears to him and advises him to sail to Ithaca to start his next journey. From both these instances we see Hermes fit his role as a guide in advising Odysseus during his journey when he was in peril and distraught.

"Zeus who masses the clouds made answer … turned to his dear son Hermes : ‘Hermes, you are always our messenger.’”

• Homer, Odyssey 5. 4 ff

Another classic resource is his role in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. While Ovid was a Roman writer, his writings’ on the Greek gods have played a major impact on Greek mythology and how the gods are even viewed today. In this piece he’s often described as a messenger of Zeus, or Jupiter, and sent on various errands for the god. In other myths we have him fetching gods to attend weddings, delivering messages to heroes, and escorting the dead. However his role as a psychopomp will be explored in a separate blog that will go into much more detail with his role as a god of boundaries and the afterlife.

Outside of his myths specifically depicting him as a messenger and guide, we can also look to his offspring and their roles as gods. Often more times than not, offspring of the gods, specifically the Olympians, were connected to direct roles that said gods ruled over. A few of his divine children included: Palaistra the goddess of wrestling and Angelia the goddess of messages.

C o n c l u s i o n ༄

In conclusion, Hermes’ role as a messenger god spread from the heights of Olympus to the common man on the roads of ancient Greece. We can see his worship in the local hermai that were decorated in laurel leaves and anointed with olive oil, their noses rubbed down till the shined from people hoping to obtain just a little bit of luck for their journey.This is further built up in his various myths where he is sent by Zeus to direct and assist various heroes, and make sure everyone has RSVP accordingly for any important gathering or event. I would argue that his connection as a messenger and guide are exactly why he’s still so apparent within modern culture - he’s a symbol that every person can connect with.

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, this is the first in a series of blogs dedicated to Hermes and his worship. In the following blogs I’ll be discussing roles such as him being a psychopomp, his connection to divination, and his role as trickster god.

S o u r c e s ༄

Ancient Literature

New World Encyclopedia

World History

Theoi

Ancient Greek Divination by Sarah Iles Johnston

jade-sierra-rose:

Hermes⚕️

Messenger of the gods, Guider of Souls to to the Underworld, Olympian God of Herds & Flocks, Travelers & Hospitality, Roads & Trade, Thievery & Cunning, Heralds & Diplomacy, language & writing, athletic contests & gymnasiums, astronomy & astrology

⚕️Invocation:

Keen minded Hermes, light-fingered one, light footed one, quick & cunning, bright & merry, ever watchful, ever agile, ever sharp of wit. The wings at your feet carry you to any landing-place, in any realm; wearing cap of Aidoneus,you tarry, unseen by mortal men, Wielder of the golden sword, player on the shepherds pipe, god of herdsmen, god of thieves, god of cities and pastures, rustic and urbane, you walk the line between contradictions. Hermes of the borderland, Hermes of the threshold, god of the uncertain, consistent and contrary, you stand in the doorway, you stand at the edge; knife-sharp boundary between two worlds is yours. Hermes, child of rich-tressed Maia and Thundering Zeus, I thank you for your many gifts, I praise your might.

⚕️About Hermes:

• Sacred animals: tortoise, ram, hare, & hawk
• Sacred Plants: Crocus Flower, & Strawberry Tree
• Other Names:Argeiphontes
• Cult terms: term relating to his religious praxis

Hermaion:Temple of Hermes

Hermaia:Games & festivals of hermes

Hermai:Pillar statues of Hermes

⚕️Titles & Epithets:

• Epimêlios:Keeper of the flocks
• Kriophoros:Ram Bearer
• Agoraios:Of the Market Place
• Dolios:Of Crafts, Of Wiles
• Enagônios:Of the games
• Promakhos:Champion
• Hermêneutês: Interpreter, Translator

These are just main cult epithets theres much more location based ones & poetic ones

You can make different shrines to specific epithets if desired to connect to different aspects

⚕️Offerings:

• Libations: Milk, Chamomile tea, olive oil, Virgo or Gemini moon water
• Mutton
• Pork
• Beef
• Honey
• Strawberries
• Foreign foods
• Eggs
• Incense: frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender
• Golden objects
• Silver objects
• Musical instruments
• Money/coins
• Foreign money/coins
• Wands
• Dice
• Stones:gold, silver, amethyst, quartz, orange topaz, agate
• Strawberry or lavender scents
• Feathers
• Turtle objects, prints or toys
• Pictures, statues or art of turtles/tortoises
• Crocus flowers
• Written stories, letters, jokes, hymns, poems
• Travel food
• Souvenirs

21+ offerings:

• Beer
• White wine
• Red wine for his Chthonic aspect

Devotional acts:

• Learn a new language
• Travel to new places
• Learn a new sport
• Practice speaking in public or online
• Practice writing
• Learn astrology
• Learn astronomy
• Learn about agriculture and animal husbandry
• Learn slight-of-hand magic tricks
• Collect coins
• Have a feast in his name
• Dice games(including DnD)
• Card games
• Keep a dream journal
• Write stories, poems, hymns, or even jokes
• Honor the dead, especially family
• HonorZeus, his father
• HonorMaia, his mother
• HonorAphrodite & their child, Hermaphrodite
• Honor his other children: Angelia (goddess of messages), Palaistra(goddess of wrestling), Eleusis(goddess of the Eleusinian Mysteries) & Pan(god of shepherds & the wilderness)
• Invoke him on your travels or when looking for a job and always thank him when you arrive safely or have some luck in your life
• If youre an athlete, small business owner, or travel for work a lot or in general you can invoke him & devote it to him
• Support small businesses
• Support local ranchers
• Support small astrological businesses
• Support local athletes & sports teams
• Give money to the homeless
• Donate to homeless shelters in his name

Altar/Shrine ideas:

Decorate his sacred space with souvenirs from your travels, money/coins(domestic or foreign), turtle statues/art, astronomy art, astrology art, dice, crocus flowers, Statues/Art of Him, gold & silver objects, Amethyst, Orange Crystals

black-nata:

normal-horoscopes:

THE ONLY GREEK GOD TWINK IS HERMES, APOLLO IS ON THE HUNKIER SIDE OF TWUNK AT BEST. DIONYSUS IS THE GOD OF FEASTING AND ORGIES AND PARTYING DUDE LOOKS LIKE JACK BLACK. HES GOT MEAT. HES GOT CHUB. STOP LYING TO YOURSELF.

Dionysus by DaughterGothel on DeviantArt

noctivague:

Day 7 - Names and Epithets

I wanted to do a deep dive into his epithets for quite some time so I’m glad I have the opportunity to do that now. I will tryyy to explain a bit more whenever possible. Hope you find it useful even though it’s a bit LONG !

• Aglaos-  Radiant, Bright, Beautiful, Pleasing - this epithet is shared with Zeus and Hekate, it is used in the homeric hymn to Hermes. 
  
• Agoraios-of the Marketplace - referring to his role as god of trade and merchants. Found mainly in Athens, Sparta and Thebes. Statue of Hermes Agoraios would stand near the agora.
• Akakêta- Guileless, Gracious - benevolent 
  
• Angelos Athanatôn-Messenger of the Gods
  
• Angelos Makarôn - Messenger of the Blessed
  
• Argeiphontês-Slayer of Argos - referring to the myth where Hermes kills the many-eyed giant watching over Io, freeing her
  
• Arkhos Phêlêteôn- Leader of Robbers, Thieves - where the title ‘god of thieves’ comes from 
• Chrysorrhapis-of the Golden Wand - referring to the herald’s staff, the caduceus
• Dais Hetairos-Comrade of the Feast - this one appears in the homeric hymn when he creates an instrument with the tortoise he killed that he will use during the feast he prepared to the gods with one of the cows he stole to Apollo.
  
• Diaktoros-Guide, Messenger - a wildly used epithet for the god who often carries messages or guides gods and mortals through the world. Sometimes seen as ‘‘Athanatos Diaktoros”, the immortal guide.
  
• Dolios-  of Crafts, of Wiles - a fitting epithet for the cunning god with a sharp tongue who always finds a way to win with his tricks and sweet words
  
• Dôtor Eaôn- Giver of Good Things - see Kharidôtês 
  
• Enagônios-of the Game - referring to his role as god of competition, gymnasium and palestra 
  
• Epimêlios- Keeper of the flocks - referring to his role of herdsman
• Erikydês-  Famous, Glorious, Splendid
• Eriounês- Luck-Bringing, Ready-Helper - referring to his role of bringer of good fortune
• Euskopos- Keen-Sighted, Watchful - another homeric epithet describing the many qualities of the god 
  
• Hermêneutês- Interpretor, Translator - this one is pretty self explanatory, it connects him to the art of translation and is the reason why he is a great patron god for people dealing with foreign languages. 
  
• Kharidôtês-Giver of Joy/Grace - this one is oh so lovely ! Referring to the homeric line “Hail Hermes, giver of grace, guide, and giver of good things!”
  
• Kharmophrôn-  Glad-Hearted, Heart-Delighting - for He who brings laughter to people and gods 
  
• Klepsiphrôn-Deceiver, Dissembler - another epithet connected to his trickster role
  
• Krateros-Strong, Mighty- 
  
• Kriophoros-Ram Bearer - it is said that Hermes saved a boetian city from a plague by carrying a ram on his shoulders around the walls of the city. This myth was the origin of a cult practice where young men would carry rams over their shoulders. 
• Kydimos-Glorious- an homeric epithet praising the god. This one is shared with other gods as well. 
  
• Maiados Huios-Son of Maia 
  
• Mastêrios- of Searchers - 
  
• Mêkhaniôtês -  Trickster, Contriver
  
• Oiopolos -  Sheep-Tending, Shepherd - again an epithet connecting him to herdsmen 
  
• Phêlêtês -  Thief, Robber, Rustler
  
• Poikilomêtês -  Full of Various Wiles
  
• Polytropos-  Wily, Many-Turning - meaning  “much-traveled” or “much-wandering, this epithet is applied to Odysseus in the homeric work. Metaphorically it means “turning many ways” or crafty. 
  
• Pompaios-the Guide - referring to is role of psychopom, guide of the dead 
  
• Poneomenos-Busy One - referring to the fact that he is always busy working and travelling 
  
• Promakhos- Champion- Promachos refers to a solider “fighting in the first rank of the palanx”. This epithet is found in Tanagra in Boeotia. Pausanias says that the god led the ephebes to battle carrying a strigil, disguised as a youth. 
  
• Trikephalos- Three-Headed (Of Road-Intersections) - epithet shared with Hekate, it refers to his role as god of the crossroads. 
  

Praise be to Hermes

Son of the Mighty Zeus and Maia

Esteemed God of Travellers 

And the Divine Messager

If I have ever been dutiful

If I have ever aided another traveller 

If I have ever been a Friend of Man

Bless us with your favour

May our travels be safe 

Be they physical

Or emotional journeys

And let our love ones be kept safe

Until we can return to them 

cosmicruler:

accurate image of me when i found out that He’s my patron 3 years ago. (hermes art by @charmophron , meme by me)

I feel like he enjoys watching us figure it out 

kharmophron:

kharmophron:

hermes is just … kisses.

thats how he feels like.

he’s honey, he’s darling, he’s euphoria, he’s how it feels to be peppered with kisses,

he’s warmth and he’s laughter and he’s joy

and he’s love

*inhales*HES GOLDEN AND HES CARING AND HES CHARMING AND HES DREAMY AND HES CLEVER AND HES FLOWERS AND HES SOFT AND HES GOOD AND HES-

Witch of The Week

@justawitchygirl

What is ‘Witch of The Week’?

Every week, I randomly choose one amazing, underrated witchblr to feature! I want to make sure that more people discover these great blogs, and also to Wake Witchblr, because there are a LOT of interesting blogs to follow; you just haven’t found it yet ‍♀️

✧✧✧

JustAWitchyGirl is a devotee of Aphrodite and she posts a lot of sweet appreciation posts of her

Her blog gives you a daily dose of wholesome relatable Aphrodite appreciation along with plenty of posts directed at baby/beginner witchies.

She also runs the discord server 'Just a Witchy Coven’, which I absolutely LOVE. It has a strict anti-bigotry policy and everyone there is just so welcoming.

Currently, she is looking for a mentor. I’m not sure if she is still looking atm, but if you feel you would be interested in this, definitely contact her, and join her discord too, while youre at it!

@justawitchygirl

Im my dream last night I met hermes. He had something important to tell me (its now lost to the dream). He was fighting to make himself make sense within the dream, to tell me something without dream memory and scrambling in the way.

I haven’t been into hellenism very long, not enough to understand what happened. He didn’t seem very happy. He was also in Danny devitos body, which I thought was interesting. I also didn’t cry, and I normally cry when I meet gods. It was more like?? Id caught him, realized he wasn’t part of the dream. Then he told me something I don’t remember.

Does anyone know anything about this? I know hermes appearing in dreams is comon in the mythos.

Any help is very welcome and id be very greatful. I have some big life stuff and I feel like I can’t ignore this omen.

Let’s talk about: Incantations

Incantations, sometimes known as magic words, are probably one of the most famous types of a spell, and with good reason.  We often picture some kind of chant to help summon whatever magic powers we want to use at the time.  I love incantations in my spells, both because I am dramatic and live for ominous chants, and because incantations are a great place for a little poetry which I also love.

When it comes to the how to of incantations there’s very little to say beyond “do what comes naturally”.  Incantations can be long drawn out chants in verse, they can be a quick quip in latin saying what you want to do, they can be a single word that you made up for the specific spell you’re working on, or anything in between.  The greatest importance for incantations is your intent.

No matter what you’re saying, what language it’s in, or how many times you repeat it the incantation won’t work if you’re not clear on what you’re doing.  That’s why intent matters so much in all spells, it’s so very important to know exactly what you’re trying to accomplish and have it firmly in your mind before you begin, beyond that the only rules are what feels right and what has meaning to you.

Now for the most part incantations are a wonderfully unisex way to practice, but I’m sure there’s someone in the world saying, “Poetry, what guy is caught dead doing poetry?”  My response to that is a simple list of gods who have poetry included in their domain: Odin, Angus Og, and Apollo.  I’m sure there are more, but I don’t know who they are. It’s also worth pointing out that King David was an accomplished poet and wrote the psalms.

That brings my ramble on incantations to a close.  Practice safe and Ret'urcye mhi!  

gone-arai:

Hestia Info Dump

Most of us know that Hestia is the goddess of the Hearth & Home, but I fear few realize the importance of her domain—both in ancient times and today.

Sacrifices include(d): fruit, water, oil, wine, and one year old calves

Sacred Symbols: chaste tree, pigs, kettle, and veil

Goddess of the Home and Family Hearth

As goddess of the hearth, Hestia presides over all day-to-day sacrifices. Not only that, but she should receive the first and last portion of the sacrifice—symbolic of her position as the first child of Kronos and Rhea and the last Olympian to be disgorged by Kronos. She also presides over the cooking of the family meal; of which a portion should be sacrificed. In fact, all aspects of domestic life are considered to be within Hestia’s domain, and all domestic blessings are from her. 

As goddess of the home itself, Hestia is considered to be the inventor of houses and a patron of architecture. In this aspect, Hestia is often worshipped with Hermes—the two are considered to be dues penetralis, or gods who reside within the heart of every home.

So what does this mean? Basically, except maybe for Zeus, Hestia was one of the most widely worshipped of all the Olympians. The altar itself is a sanctuary of the goddess which existed in almost every home in ancient times. Cicero and the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite explain Hestia’s importance beautifully:

“Her power extends over altars and hearths, and therefore all prayers and all sacrifices end with this goddess, because she is the guardian of the innermost things.” - Cicero

“Zeus the father gave her a high honor instead of marriage, and she has her place in the midst of the house and has the richest portion. In all the temples of the gods she has a share of honor, and among all mortal men she is chief of the goddesses.” - Homeric Hymn 5 to Aphrodite

Goddess of the Public Hearth

Perhaps even more important than her role in domestic life, Hestia’s dominion over the public hearth made her an extremely important political figure in ancient times. Virtually every town had a prytaneium (hearth) in the prytaneion—the seat of the prytaneis (and government) in ancient Greece, often a structure in the center of the agora. There, the town made public sacrifices to the gods and, therefore, to Hestia. In fact, the prytaneium often existed as the sole sanctuary to the goddess. One of Hestia’s epithets, Prytaneia, referred to her role as goddess of the public hearth. The prytaneium also functioned as a sanctuary for asylum seekers and the place where the prytaneis would welcome guests and foreign ambassadors. In this way, Hestia’s domain also included hospitality and diplomacy. The fire of the sacrificial flame itself—which never went out and was often carried to new cities—was also Hestia’s domain. And just like in the home, Hestia presided over the preparation of the sacrificial meat.

Considering all of this, many consider Hestia to be a goddess of civilization, as the public hearth is what tied together all the families in a town. Plato himself posited that Zeus, Athena, and Hestia were the three most important gods to the state as King, city-protector, and guardian of the civic hearth. Although we may no longer have public hearths, we are still connected by the same ideas of home and civilization.

The Last Olympian

Plato describes Hestia as the “essence of things” and says that while all the other Olympians follow Zeus from Olympus on his winged chariot, Hestia is the only one who remains, tending the hearth and protecting the home and seat of the gods’ power.

Many believe Hestia abdicated her throne when Dionysos became a god. And in some myths and versions of the story, this is true. However, the twelve Olympians have never been a concrete list even in ancient times. It’s really up to interpretation. Personally, when I say the “twelve Olympians” I’m very loosely referring to a group of thirteen or fourteen, often including Hestia and sometimes Hades. But again, it really doesn’t matter.

Worship and Cult

As I’ve already said, Hestia was worshipped in every ancient home and city, but Pausanias also describes a separate sanctuary to the goddess in Hermione. In addition, she was worshipped with Poseidon and Amphitrite at Olympia. And, as the Homeric Hymn to her alludes, she was worshipped with Poseidon as well as Apollo at his temple at Delphi.

“Hestia, you tend the sacred hearth of far-shooting Lord Apollo in holy Pytho, anointing-oil ever dripping from your braids—come to this house, come, sharing your heart with cunning Zeus: bestow grace on my song.” - Homeric Hymn 24

Hymns: Homeric Hymn 24, Homeric Hymn 29 (also to Hermes), and Orphic Hymn 84

Epithets: Prytaneia (of the prytaneium), Boulaia (of the council)

Info from theoi.com.