Vesta: The Goddess Who Kept Rome’s Fire Burning
An Immortal Gazette Exclusive—Because Somebody In Rome Had to Keep Things from Falling Apart
Alice stirred her tea, watching the flames flicker in the grand fireplace of the Immortal Gazette’s secret lounge. “Alright, gentlemen, let’s talk about the one deity who actually kept it together.”
Loki arched a brow. “You mean the only one who wasn’t causing drama?”
Rumple snorted. “Unheard of.”
Alice smirked. “Enter Vesta. The goddess of the hearth, home, and family—the one who made sure Rome didn’t freeze or burn down in its own madness.”
Who Was Vesta?
Unlike most gods, Vesta wasn’t about war, revenge, or turning people into unfortunate woodland creatures. No, she was the calm in the storm, the one who made sure that families, traditions, and the literal flames of Rome stayed alive.
“The Romans adored her,” Alice said, propping her feet on the table. “She wasn’t about power grabs. She was about keeping the heart of Rome beating.”
Loki leaned forward. “Which is why she had the Vestal Virgins, right?”
Alice nodded. “Exactly. These priestesses kept her sacred fire burning—because if it ever went out, the Romans thought it meant doom for the empire.”
Rumple smirked. “Ah, nothing like an overly dramatic sense of impending catastrophe.”
The Vestal Virgins: Rome’s Elite Flame Keepers
Now, being a Vestal Virgin wasn’t just about tending fires—it was serious business.
- They had to serve for 30 years—ten years learning, ten years serving, ten years training new priestesses.
- They were highly respected, even having legal privileges most women didn’t.
- But if they broke their vow of chastity? Oh, just a little live burial. Nothing extreme.
Loki winced. “Brutal.”
Alice sipped her tea. “Rome didn’t do mild consequences, darling.”
Why Vesta Mattered
“She was the glue holding everything together,” Alice continued. “While the other gods were off fighting, seducing, or turning people into various animals, she made sure people had homes to return to.”
Loki grinned. “So, basically, she was the only one acting like an adult?”
Alice shrugged. “Pretty much.”
Rumple tapped his fingers. “But let me guess—she’s been mostly forgotten?”
Alice sighed dramatically. “Oh, absolutely. Poor Vesta. No epic wars, no tragic love stories, just keeping civilization from collapsing.”
Loki smirked. “The real hero no one talks about.”
Alice raised her glass. “To Vesta—goddess of hearth, home, and holding everything together while the rest of the world spirals into chaos.”
🖋️✨📜🖤
