We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is “Fantastic Females in Folk & Fairy Tales.”
About Vestalia in Rome:
Vesta is the goddess of the hearth, home, and family. A holiday named after the goddess Vesta is still celebrated in Rome called Vestalia held June 7-15 each year. As donkeys are important to Vesta (due to donkeys helping to mill flour that turns into breads over the fire), this holiday has decorated donkeys in flowers as well as pieces of bread.
50-word-or-less summary
Neptune and Apollo fell in love with Vesta. They were ready to go to war to be with her. Vesta approached Jupiter and asked for her to be unavailable and a virgin for all time. Jupiter granted this request. Vesta oversaw the eternal flame.
Finding the Story:
Article – “Who was Vesta, the Goddess of the Hearth?” – here
World History Encyclopedia – “Vesta” – here
Mythopedia – “Vesta” – here
Gods and Goddesses – “Vesta” – here
Video – “The Roman Goddess Vesta and her Vestal Virgins” – here
Finding the “Fantastic”:
The fact that Jupiter honored Vesta already revealed how fantastic Vesta truly was as a goddess and as a woman. Jupiter was not always the best protector of women. In fact, he was unfaithful. Yet, Vesta could approach Jupiter and have her request granted to remain a virgin forever.
Her strength in character and kindness still attracted Neptune and Apollo. She dressed modestly and was even-tempered. Who knows how many other gods or men wished for Vesta’s hand in marriage? She was able to live in peace and never contributed to any strife or malice that was common for the gods and goddesses. Oh, still some attempted to take her virginity. Her trustworthy donkeys would bray and give warning. She could sound alarm to Jupiter. She remained untouched.
She even took care of the Hearth in heaven as a show of gratitude for Jupiter. Though, deep down, she found comfort around that fire.
Recommended Article:
To honor Vesta’s request and what other women desire, read this article entitled “Choosing Virginity” written by Lorraine Ali and Julie Scelfo.
Thoughts?
Please share thoughts in the comments. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings. See our popular links and upcoming events at our One-Stop.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
Story Crossroads celebrates the hybrid Summit & Festival on May 13-16, 2024 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; and people like you.
Vesta was a smart goddess.
Given what jerks most of the Greek/Roman gods were? Yeah, she was.
Not about this post, but I just read you whole series and this is fantastic! I loved reading all of these. Collecting them all together with some illustration would make for a great book.
Thank you for doing this!
—
Tim Brannan
The Other Side: 2024 A to Z of Dungeons & Dragons.