In which we celebrate the Gift of Stories with an ancient Greek tale

Hestia (ancient Greece)

Hestia, goddess of fire, had a place of honor in the great Hall of Olympus, but Dionysus, the god of festivals and feasting, had none.  

When a giant came to Greece, the gods could not overcome him, until Dionysus stepped forward with a wineskin that never emptied.  Dionysus and the giant got so drunk together that that, at last, the other gods could capture the giant and throw him into the sea. 

As a reward, Dionysus asked for a seat at the table of the gods, but none wanted to give up their own places, until Hestia stepped forward, and offered her place. 

"I can give you my place,” she said, “for people will always come and bend to worship me.  Long after you are forgotten, people will come with hands clasped before my fires on a cold night.”

When next you sit close to a fire, remember Hestia, who warms your hands.