mythologyfromworld
Who are these 3 Virgin Goddesses?
Imagine you are standing at the top of Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the gods in Greek Mythology. The air is thin, the view breathtaking and the sense of divine presence palpable. Here you are surrounded by gods and goddesses, curiously observing you. Among them are three goddesses who have something in common. Yes, among the pantheon of gods who call this cloud-covered peak home, those three goddesses are also gazing at you with curiosity, the goddesses known in Greek mythology as the 3 virgin goddesses…
Who are the 3 Virgin Goddesses in Greek Mythology?
Athena, Artemis and Hestia – names that echo through the annals of Greek Mythology, each as powerful as they are intriguing. These 3 virgin goddesses of Olympus are not side characters in the cosmic drama of the ancient Greeks, but rather important, each in her own right, each using her own divine influence to shape the fabric of Greek society and beyond.
In this article, we will look at these three goddesses called as 3 virgin goddesses of Mt Olympus – Athena, who bursts out of Zeus’ head in full battle armor, Artemis, the fierce hunter who runs faster than she can shoot arrows at men, and Hestia, whose virginity is so important that it keeps the fire burning in the house – while also looking at their common trait of eternal virginity.
Of course, the purpose of this article is not to discuss the Latin and later English origins of the word virgin. Rather, the focus will be on these three goddesses, the 3 virgin goddesses, who were far from men, refused to marry, and preferred to remain alone.
Who is Hestia in Greek Mythology?
Goddess Hestia: The First – Born of Cronus and Rhea
Goddess Hestia, one of the 3 virgin goddesses of Greek Mythology, is the first-born, eldest child of the Titan Cronus and Rhea. Siblings of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hera and Demeter, Hestia was, according to some sources, the first to be swallowed by Cronus as the first-born child and the last to be spat upon when Zeus tricked her father Cronus. Hestia was one of the 12 Gods of Olympus, but was later replaced by Dionysus.
What is Hestia God of ?
Hestia was a domestic goddess who never left Mount Olympus. She was a peaceful goddess. Unlike other gods and goddesses, Hestia did not interfere in the relations between humans and gods. In fact, although she is one of the most important and oldest goddesses, for this reason, she does not appear much in myths, so she often seems to be one of the gods who are often overlooked despite her existence. The goddess, whose existence is mostly known for the fire that never goes out, had taken this as a sacred duty.
Goddess Hestia was known as the protector of homes and cities. The warmth and peace that Hestia gave was the cornerstone of every home.
She was an important goddess for the household, Hestia was considered a goddess of the family, and the first offering was made to her in homes. Hestia’s role was not limited to the home; she was also the protector of cities and society. Her presence made cities feel like a warm home and helped people come together to form meaningful relationships.
The goddess Hestia was an important goddess for the household, she was considered a family goddess. However, she also had the role of protector of society. Goddess Hestia was also responsible for the sacred fire on Olympus.
Is Hestia a Virgin Goddess?
Hestia, one of the oldest of the 12 Olympian gods living on Mount Olympus, representing family, sacred fire and purity, never married and is therefore one of the 3 virgin goddesses in Greek mythology.
In fact, Hestia had suitors despite her quiet, drama-free personality and the fact that she always avoided attracting attention. Her brother Poseidon, the god of the sea, and her nephew Apollo, the god of music, wanted to marry Hestia. In the face of these two simultaneous and insistent requests, Hestia refuses them both. One of the reasons behind this refusal is probably that she does not want any tension. Well, Poseidon on one side and Apollon on the other…
Hestia goes to her brother Zeus and tells him that she does not want to marry forever, she wants to remain a virgin. She asks Zeus to respect her vow and support her. Zeus accepts this wish of Goddess Hestia. Then Hestia becomes one of the 3 virgin goddesses in Greek Mythology.
This wish and vow of Hestia is respected by the gods, but have there been those who ignored this wish? Yes, of course there were. For example, Priapus. (Who is Priapus?)
Hestia is a goddess devoted to the unquenchable fire of Olympus. Among the 3 virgin goddesses in Greek mythology, unlike Artemis and Athena, she is a goddess who is less visible despite her important role and is not included in myths as much as Athena and Artemis. Goddess Hestia has a more passive and domestic nature than the other two goddesses. Hestia’s virginity actually symbolizes the sacred nature and purity of the heart.
In Roman mythology, Hestia is known as Vesta. Vesta is also a Roman Goddess and the guardian of Rome’s unquenchable fire. And this mark of purity and virginity is carried by the Priestesses of Vesta.
Artemis in Greek Mythology
Who is the Goddess Artemis?
In Greek Mythology, Artemis, one of the 3 virgin goddesses, is the daughter of Zeus and Leto and the twin sister of the god Apollon. Artemis, who is included in many myths, is a goddess known for her different aspects.
What is Artemis the God of ?
Known as the goddess of nature, hunting and the moon, Artemis does not stop there in Greek Mythology. The struggle of her mother Leto to give birth to her and her twin Apollo is told in different versions in her mythology. In one of these versions, she is also known as the protector of women in labor. Artemis is also called the goddess of chastity in mythology because of her vow of celibacy and her abstinence from men.
Artemis, who loves nature and especially running and hunting in forests with her followers, is also known as the one with the golden bow. The bow and arrow depicted together symbolize Artemis’ hunting and protection. The deer is the sacred animal of the goddess Artemis and symbolizes her grace and spontaneity. For Artemis, also known as the Moon Goddess, the moon represents her purity.
Is Artemis a Virgin Goddess?
Artemis is one of the 3 virgin goddesses of Mount Olympus. When the goddess was still very young, she had a dialog with her father Zeus and he told her to tell him her wishes and he would fulfill them. One of these wishes, also known as Artemis’ six wishes, is to never marry and remain a virgin. Her father accepts this as well as all her other wishes. By this wish, Artemis becomes one of the 3 virgin goddesses of Greek Mythology.
Goddess Artemis is an extremely free goddess. Although she also appears in myths, mingles with people and mediates in problems between gods, she is more of a character who prefers the forests and the wilderness and likes to hang out freely with her followers. In fact, another thing he wants from his father is to have all the mountains in the world as his own.
Artemis, who is faithful to her vow not to marry, is known to be very strict and harsh in this regard. She is also a goddess who is the protector of young girls. However, she also makes her followers (mostly nymphs and humans) swear an oath of celibacy and chastity and expects them to be faithful to it.
As I mentioned, Artemis is extremely strict about this oath and loyalty to it. She harshly punishes those who break their vows. One of them is Callisto, even though she didn’t break the vow willingly and was actually tricked by Zeus. (For the story that leads to Callisto and the Big Bear a myth in the sky, click the link)
For Artemis, one of the 3 virgin goddesses of Mount Olympus in Greek Mythology, not marrying and remaining a virgin actually represents her free and nature-oriented nature, freedom and power.
Artemis is known as Diana in Roman mythology.
Athena in Greek Mythology
In Greek Mythology, one of the 3 virgin goddesses in mythology, the goddess Athena is the daughter of Zeus and Metis. Athena’s birth is different from other gods and goddesses. As it is known, she pops out of her father Zeus’ head – splitting Zeus’ head open – fully armed.
Athena is the God of What?
The goddess Athena is known as the goddess of wisdom, the goddess of war strategies and the goddess of crafts in Greek Mythology. Athena, who is a supporter of civilization, is among the gods who guide people in this regard.
Athena was a goddess who protected the country and the peaceful initiatives of mankind and was a defender of rights, law and order. In addition to being the goddess of wisdom in Greek mythology, Athena was also considered the goddess of learning.
As the goddess of crafts, she was especially adept at weaving and spinning, and there was no one better than her. She was also the creator of the flute.
Although Ares was the God of War in Greek mythology, Athena was a master of the part of warfare that required strategy and intelligence, which is why she was known as the goddess of War strategy.
When we look at Athena’s symbols, we see that the owl, the symbol animal, represents Athena’s wisdom and sharp vision, while the olive tree represents peace and prosperity. Her famous shield, the Aegis, and her spear depict Athena’s warrior side.
Athena mostly interacts with humans and hides her identity for this. She is known as the protector of heroes. Her father Zeus often sends his daughter Athena to interact with humans when he is absent. Athena is not only a goddess who deals and interacts with humans. We often see her as an intermediary in conflicts between the gods and in solving problems.
Is Athena a Virgin Goddess?
Athena is one of the 3 virgin goddesses in Greek mythology. Although Zeus swallowed the pregnant Metis, Athena was born from inside Zeus’ head. This can be seen as somehow related to Athena’s virginity and wisdom.
Athena is also a powerful warrior and is known as the goddess of war strategy. These aspects support her independent and strong character. Athena’s virginity also represents her independence and self-sufficiency. It also symbolizes her intelligence and purity of mind. One of Athena’s – who is one of the 3 virgin goddesses- names is Athena Parthenos, which means virgin Athena.
3 virgin goddesses; Hestia, Athena, Artemis
The common characteristic of these three goddesses, who are among the 12 Olympians in Greek Mythology, is their virginity. They are called 3 virgin goddesses. So why? First of all, why was virginity (as I mentioned before, I am taking it with a general acceptance regardless of the origin of the word) important for these goddesses? Or let’s ask the question more generally but in a different way; what was the importance of virginity in mythology?
This is actually a topic that can be written about for pages. There are also academic studies in this sense. Without going too far into the subject here, we can summarize it as follows; First of all, we need to look at it from the point of view of the position of women. Even today, there is not an environment of complete security and independence for women all over the world, and in ancient times it was even different.
Women are often seen as the property of men. There are also societal pressures or assigned roles. In such a structure, it is natural that a woman cannot be expected to completely reject all this, to make her own free decisions and to live an independent lifestyle.
What is true for mortals is also true for divine beings, depending on how you look at it. A goddess may also sometimes have to submit to this situation despite her divine powers, but the main thing is not for gods, but for lower-ranking divine beings and goddesses. For example nymphs and others. Anyway, in such a world, for example, the virginity of Athena – who is one of the 3 virgin goddesses- , the goddess of war strategies, is important because it represents her independence and power. As the god of wisdom, she has to be alone so that her mind can remain pure and she can be just.
It is the same for Artemis who is one of the 3 virgin goddesses. As a hunter who chooses to live in a wild and tamed world, as a goddess who is the protector of nature and animals, staying away from men and preserving her virginity is a symbol of her freedom and not being dependent on anyone. Hestia, on the other hand, protector of fire and goddess of the heart, must be pure and pure. Because of her peaceful and domestic nature, she must stay away from all conflicts so that she can bring family peace and purity to the world.
When we look at the common characteristic of these three goddesses and the oracle of their choices, we see a rejection of the existing structure, a stance of freedom and independence through self-creation. Of course, Athena, Hestia and Artemis – called as 3 virgin goddesses – all goddesses with different characters. Although all three goddesses are among the virgin goddesses of Olympus and called as 3 virgin goddesses of Greek mythology, their preferences and stances differ slightly from each other.
For example, Hestia has a more passive role than Artemis and Athena. She is a goddess who never interferes in the affairs between humans and the gods. Hestia’s virginity carries an attitude of independence and rejection of the status quo, but this intention is less than the other two goddesses. Hestia’s choice seems to carry more of a desire to devote herself to her work.
A great admirer of mountains and forests, Artemis, the goddess of the hunter and the moon, made this decision at an early age. ( We may say Artemis becomes one of the 3 virgin goddesses at an early age) For a goddess whose favorite hobby is hunting in the forests, this desire to be alone expresses her freedom. Artemis, whose followers were all women, became a representative of not only her own freedom and power, but also that of women.
Unlike Athena’s strategic intelligence, Artemis embodies the wild and untamed nature. She represents the mountains, slopes, forests, in other words, the outside, as opposed to Hestia’s domesticated nature (or even the nature that does not leave Olympus).
Athena is the goddess of crafts, goddess of war strategies, goddess of wisdom, goddess of wisdom, goddess of artists and many more in Greek Mythology… As the daughter of Metis, issues related to reason and intelligence are mostly gathered in Athena. She is independent, sharp-sighted and powerful. Unlike Hestia’s isolation from man and the gods, Athena is mortal and saddled among the gods. In contrast to the more wild and impulsive nature of Artemis, Athena pursues a more strategic way of thinking and behaving, and a path that will lead people to civilization.
Hestia, Artemis and Athena, the 3 virgin goddesses of Greek mythology, are goddesses with different characteristics and characters other than their commonality of being alone. Apart from being virgin goddesses – or being called as the 3 virgin goddesses- , they have one more thing in common: they are important goddesses in Greek mythology and have important missions attributed to them.
Well, let’s go back to the beginning, you are standing at the top of Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the gods in Greek Mythology. The air is thin, the view breathtaking and the sense of divine presence palpable. Here, you are surrounded by gods and goddesses and they are studying you with curiosity.
Among them are three goddesses with something in common; Hestia, Artemis and Athena. The goddesses known in Greek mythology as the 3 virgin goddesses… 3 virgin goddesses of Olympus are also among the gods. Isn’t it nice to be greeted by these three important goddesses on Mount Olympus? Athena, Artemis and Hestia; which one would you like to be greeted by first?
