The Origin of the Eternal Flame of Vesta Ft. Polymathy
Massive thanks to Luke for his help with Ancient Greek Attic pronunciation.
/ @polymathy_luke
In ancient Roman religion, the sacred flame of Vesta was a sacred eternal flame that was kept burning in the Temple of Vesta in the Roman Forum. The flame was guarded by the Vestal Virgins, who were priestesses of Vesta, the Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family.
But let's rewind back further in time. In search for the origins of the myth.
The Sky Origin of Fire
The sacral aspect of fire, or rather fire as a deified element, has its roots in the ancestral history of mankind. While Dumézil has proposed an Indo-European origin of the cultic nature of fire, starting from the Vedic deity Agni, who represents the protective and purifying fire, which burns demons and acts as an intermediary between man and the gods with its flame rising upwards to the sky with the smoke it generates, the deification of fire is actually present more or less incisively in all cultures of the ancient world.
Fire as an element of celestial and divine origin, foreshadowed by the myth of Prometheus, connects itself to the sky with its origin initially linked to lightning. By learning to master fire, man manages a divine power, a potentially destructive entity that at the same time protects him from ferocious beasts, warms him, and illuminates the darkness. All these characteristics lead the fire of myth to shape itself around its protective and defensive elements, at the expense of the destructive ones. In the minds of the ancients a choise was made.
Hestia
The Greek deity to whom the flame was consecrated is Hestia, whose very name directly recalls the domestic hearth. Theoretically, the hearth of every private home was sacred to Hestia and was her manifestation, but every Greek polis or cityalso had a public place, called Prytaneion, which was consecrated to Hestia and preserved her sacred fire, which was never to be extinguished and represented the spirit of the city. Originally, the Prytaneion was supposed to be a sort of royal residence, the seat of the Prytanis, a position of pre-Indo-European origin, comparable to an absolute monarch.
The etymology of Prytanis and Prytaneion, which have their roots in the Aegean and Anatolian world prior to the arrival of Indo-European elements, recall a very archaic position and institution. In fact, the domestic hearth of the one who managed and commanded what, even before being a city, must have been a chiefdom, becomes identifying with the entire community, and its fortunes are linked to it. With the decline of the figure of the absolute monarch, in archaic Athens the figure of the Archon, representing not so much religious but political powers, is linked to the Prytaneion and the cult of Hestia, and from Dionysius of Halicarnassus and Aristotle we learn that the sacrifices in honor of Hestia were performed not by priests but by magistrates with political and executive power. So in a way similarly to how for instance Oblivion connects the ruler to the sacred flame.
The Prytaneion, to which over time a second circular building called Tholos is associated, ends up acquiring further representative functions in classical Greece, and in addition to being the meeting place of the most powerful magistrates and the place where the city's fire is kept, it is where foreign ambassadors are welcomed and where the most deserving citizens are hosted for some time at the state's expense.
As proof of the political and civic function of Hestia's fire, part of the fire that the colonists took with them on the eve of the founding of a new city was taken from the Prytaneion, to symbolize the origin and common civic bond (cf. William Lethaby, "Architecture. Mysticism and Myth"), and it is evidently the fire of Hestia from the Prytaneion of Troy that Aeneas carries with him, according to the Virgilian myth, when he flees from the burning of the city.
Vesta
"For a long time I foolishly believed that there were statues of Vesta, but then I learned that under the curved dome there are no statues at all. An ever-living fire is hidden in that temple, and Vesta has no effigy, just as fire has none."
Ovid writes in the Fasti:
The figure of Hestia is closely connected to the Latin deity Vesta, and it is no coincidence that Vesta has the epithet "Iliaca" for Ovid, meaning "of Ilium," "of Troy," thus linked to the sacred fire of the goddess-hearth, Hestia, of Troy, which Aeneas brings with him to Latium.
#ancientrome #mythology #ancientgreece
Пікірлер: 236
Thanks so much for inviting me to contribute to this fantastic video! I learned a ton watching it.
@metatronyt
20 күн бұрын
Absolutely thank you for your invaluable knowledge
@C_B_Hubbs
20 күн бұрын
I love seeing you two collaborate!
@lloydgush
18 күн бұрын
You guy exchanged all e-mails in latin.
Hope you’re doing ok under the circumstances Meta. Stay strong buddy
In the times before matches, keeping an eternal flame made a lot of sense. Saves a lot of work.
@chickenmonger123
22 күн бұрын
It’s one of the few things you could actually keep in principle forever back then. Even Gold and Stone are destroyed or broken down. As is the infrastructure necessary to maintain and protect them. Fire though. It requires fuel. And can be in continuity split infinitely.
@GAarcher
22 күн бұрын
*dudes were high IQ there*
@DarkLordAzagthoth
21 күн бұрын
Remember the movie "Fire"? Two tribesmen had to find fire because their tribe's fire was extinguished by them.
@iron_rush_theater1246
21 күн бұрын
@@DarkLordAzagthoth "Quest for Fire" - great movie!
@DarkLordAzagthoth
21 күн бұрын
@@iron_rush_theater1246 Yep, that's the one.Been a long time I saw it. I forgot the complete title.
Glad to see you’re back Metatron!!!!! You’re the greatest human being in history and the most important clapper of historical cheeks alive today!!!!!
@LostSoulSearching
22 күн бұрын
😂❤❤😂I got nothing, I can't top this comment! 😂😂😂 💯 On point!!! I wish I was quick whitted enough to have thought of this! Hi-5, my friend!
@ImpetusOmnipotens
22 күн бұрын
Easy there my guy, let's not get carried away
@JaMeshuggah
22 күн бұрын
First I wondered "how is he the greatest human being in history?!" but now I think you meant in the history education genre😅
@ImpetusOmnipotens
22 күн бұрын
@@JaMeshuggah some clarification from OP would have been nice if that's the case
@joshhiebert5474
22 күн бұрын
Clapper of historical cheeks is his new title. The first of its kind! Truly no one has thought before now that one most not ONLY study history, but verily clap its supple cheeks.
Please do more of Origins of Legends, Myths, curses, etc that we see vestiges of in our modern media! They help get the creative juices flowing
I have nothing intelligent to say, so I'll simply comment for the algorithm and be on my way. Cheers!
❤WE LOVE AND AND ALWAYS PRAY FOR YOU & YOURS, FEARLESS LEADER!!!
Anyone else reminded of the modern day Olympic flame lighting ceremony that take place in Greece before the Olympic torch relay takes the flame to the Olympic cauldron in the host city?
Fascinating topic! Lovely inclusion of Luke Rainieri reciting Classical Attic Greek in his awesome voice.
In the Witcher series of the books and the games there is actually a religion called the church of the eternal fire that originates in the city state of novigrad. In the Witcher 3 you can actually go and see the fire there. The concept of the eternal fire seems to be the sole focus of worship for its practitioners.
@williamwallace4080
22 күн бұрын
Don't know how I could forget about it. I was thinking about the Witcher series (books and games) and I completely forgot about the eternal fire.
@FakeFlemishOfficer
22 күн бұрын
'Our pyres will light up the North!!!'
@lambert801
22 күн бұрын
I think it's obvious that the primary inspiration behind the Cult of the Eternal Fire for Sapkowski was Zoroastrianism.
@nostalji75
22 күн бұрын
@@lambert801 How is it obvious? Humans have always been fascinated with fire. Even some Christians believe in eternal fire (hell, purgetory). For Buddism it might be the Kiezu-no-hi. So I think its logical to assume that several religious ideas revolve around fire. The source of inspiration probably isn't just one. Another game wich describes devine feature to flames are the Dark Souls games.(By japanese Company From Soft) In Dark Souls the world is literally suistained by rekindling bond fires. And souls are presented as flames. Its a very popular idea.
@lambert801
21 күн бұрын
@@nostalji75 You *obviously* don't know much about Zoroastrianism.
In Avatar: the Last Airbender (the original animated series, not any other version), as a test of their resolve to learn the original method of fueling Firebending, the Sun Warriors task Aang & Zuko with delivering a piece of the Eternal Flame that was given to them by the dragons thousands of years ago, to the masters Ran & Shau, who're later revealed to be living dragons, who would then judge whether or not they were worthy of the knowledge. It's cool to finally know where that concept came from.
In Warhammer Fantasy the High Elves' Phoenix Kings are supposed to enter a fire in order to die and be reborn as the avatar of their chief god. Thanks for this video Metatron, I really like this content.
Thank you for releasing this video in honor of your mother! May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you and give you peace in the name of Jesus! Our prayers are with you brother!
Wow I’m early. Since I’m here, I’ll just say that if you ever need anything translated into Sumerian, or need any help with the language’s grammar for any future videos, I would be more than happy to offer my services. I have studied Sumerian for over three years now and can answer just about anything you’d need to know about the language. If so just reach out and let me know how to get in touch. Love your content and been subscribed for years. Keep up the great work and hope all is well! Much love from Maryland. :)
@VespasianJudea
21 күн бұрын
What an interesting niche of history. Keep it up, people like you who are passionate about a period of history keep it alive.
I like how you show us both spellings and correct pronunciation. Please keep doing this, but show it a little bit longer and say it a little bit slower. Thank you for teaching and showing us. Thank you for reminding us to talk with a loved one in your last video. I had a really nice talk with my brother. I also prayed for God to strengthen you and your wifey. I know you will see your beautiful mommy again. Xoxo to you both.
It's such a strange coincidence that you put this video up- I was just looking at the draft of a novel I had been working on, but had shelved for a while -- it's set in the Late Roman Empire, from the perspective of a Vestal...
I see by the time of me watching this the algorithm isn’t being too kind. This has been going on for every historical weapon/research/explanation channel on KZread. I wish you the best and I look forward to your next video, high quality as always.
4:48 hey, it's me! Thanks for the shout out, Metatron! 🙃
"...with thoughts turned to the principle of truth. ...hey I really like that one particularly." Hey I do too.
The seraphim in the Bible and Jewish lore are described as, "Fiery serpents." Fire has very deep symbolism in Judeo-Christianity as it represents passion, refinement and spiritual protection.
Man, you’re the history professor I always wanted. If you had been my teacher in university I might have accepted the lower pay and majored in History, instead of geography.
Love your show to the point I even bought your ring
@metatronyt
22 күн бұрын
I appreciate that!
@user-xi5ej4ox5s
18 күн бұрын
@@metatronyt Make a video about stone age ( paleolith ).
Gorgeous coverage of this topic. Very well researched as always.
I wonder if Roman Catholic nuns were inspired by the vestal virgins because while they had different religious beliefs there are some similarities in the ways they lived their lives
@Wintermute909
21 күн бұрын
Sometimes I think stuff like that is evidence of a single ageless archetype that is always bubbling under the surface and is incarnated at intervals.
1:00 Not sure if it is the same idea or not but the Flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier .... At least as far as an "eternal" flame that has some kind of spiritual significance on a National level .
the pronunciation and emphasis on classical greek in the video was great!
Schwerpunkt made an excellent video on Roman archaic religion explaining it, I strongly recommend it
Thank you for this video. I am always fascinated by he origins of things. Especially with archaic Rome.
Amazing video! Really enjoyed the mention of indo-europeans in this! To add to this Lithuanians were the oldest Europeans to practice paganism, which also involved sacred fire worshipping with priests guarding it, extinguishing and rekindling it at the midsummer festival. Now the tradition can still be seen, when the bride marries the husband and the mother gives the fire - the family’s hearth- to the bride to ensure good fortune.
Please continue your content on ancient or prehistoric concepts, maybe with a video on the flood myth or the origins of the one god El! It's really interesting to hear you talk about these topics! Another eternal flame that comes to my mind is the flame of asuryan from Warhammer Fantasy and I think even the Astronomican from 40k, the light of the Emperor, could be seen as a manifestation of the eternal flame
I was first introduced to your channel by your cleopatra video. I was really surprised how well your pronounced latin names and i wondered if you where spanish or even, maybe, remotely, Italian. After i checked out your second channel i had my answer So glad to see a fellow countryman make it out of the shitshow that is KZread Italia with such a degree of success.
Thank you hope you're feeling better
Glad to see you back ❤❤❤❤
Unkindled, aren't we all? Failed to link the Fire of old! Woe to us whose flames turned cold, Our history buried, our sacrifice untold. -Crestfallen
I am so glad to see you back!
Thank you for another fascinating and thoroughly researched video!
This is the kind of work I appreciate. I do like you comparing shows to history but just some good old history makes me happy as well.
Glad you are back sir!!! 💪
I really enjoy your videos!!
Thanks for the informative and nice video, Metatron. You're a trooper. May you, your family, your friends, your colleagues, the nobles one, their family, their friends and their colleagues have a good day. God bless you all. Cheers.
Thank you for your amazing content Metatron! Hope you’re doing ok. My prayers and best wishes for you, and your family from Mexico
Great to see you back! Further prayers for you and your family.
Great video! Informative and straight to the point.
Always good to see you!
Thanks for the new video ! 😊
Great video. Always love deep dives into the origins of myths and legends. Cheers.
Really interesting and informative video! Thank you!
@metatronyt
22 күн бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
Bless you and your family 🙏
Great video as always!
LUKE!
These kinds of historical topics are always amazingly fascinating. I love how things like this can make you look at something like fire in a whole new light.
I haven't seen this concept covered. I'd love more.
Metatrroonnnnnnn. glad to see you mi amico. blessings to you and your family
Great Video as always
I was expecting the usual "someone important wanted it so now here it is, legendary and eternal". Good to know it was not as easy as that
Amazing video! I love your videos on religion!
Awesome! I was hoping you'd get to the Bangles discography at some point on your channel. Please cover "Walk Like An Egyptian" next. ❤ PS: Welcome back dude. ❤️❤️
Raf, Madre di Metatron is basking in the glow of the True Fire, the Sun of Righteousness, whose radiance fills Heaven, allowing no shadows. My prayers, brother, are still with you and your family.
Eternal Flame... I was thinking about the song at first, which is one of my favorite romantic song in the 80's... But it doesn't matter, because Metatron's contents are just as good as the song anyway 😉
Excellent stuff. Now I need to rewatch it again.
This was very interesting. I like mythology and this was really up my alley.
Incredibly good content. Nothing like a good Dark Souls lore video.
Excellent video 👍
Very good video!
You back!!!!!
Me encanta este topico❤❤
I'm admittedly not in the know with ancient history but learned a few things from this video. Loved the tie to language, with the word hearth.
Very interesting, thank you
Amazing as always! Best kinds of videos to keep me company during the long train rides. By the way, it seems like some of the photos displayed are fuzzy or have noise, I’m not sure if this was intentional to add a creative touch , or not. Looking forward to more videos !
My deepest of sympathies
I would love to see videos on what myths and legends are in video games, and how accurate/ true to the original they are. That would be a wonderous series.
1:02 probably already said but in Tolkein's stories the creative force of the world that the main god used to create middle earth was called "the secret fire". it is also mentioned in gandalf's rebuke of the balrog "i am the servant of the secret fire" showing he is a maiar, a devine spirit present at the creation of the world.
Thank you for sharing another incredible video >^..^
Glad to see you again meta
Most people don't realize how important Hestia/Vesta was to the Greeks and the Romans. Even Zeus/Jupiter is said to have bowed to her and when she was hurt or offended the whole of the pantheon rose to her defense.
Welcome back, teacher.
"Veni veni venias Ne me mori facias" - Sephiroth
A fantastic video I think it was a good tribute to your mother.
In the Netflix (I know. Bear with me) docudrama on Alexander the Great, Darius III, just before his most foul murder, refers to the Empire as ''built on truth'' 🦁🔥⚡🦅⚡🔥🦁 Alexander allegedly ordering the sacred fires put out all over Persia (and beyond) in reaction to Hephaestion's death sounds a lot like a 3rd century BCE version of the poem "Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone'' : *The stars are not needed now. Put out every one. Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun...* 🦁 ☀️ 🐝 ⚡ 🦅 ⚡ 🐝 ☀️ 🦁
Thank you Metatron! I wish I was your student. In a way, through these videos, all of us are.
God bless ✝️
nice video, made me think that maybe even the "orthodox easter light" might be inspired by the ancient zoroastrian beliefs.
@henrykkeszenowicz4664
22 күн бұрын
Easter eggs are also a Zoroastrian influence, we celebrate Nowruz with them.
Welcome back indeed! One sad point though; while I am confident of your professional expertise to render latin pronunciation correctly under all circumstances, I simply cannot now hear the priestesses being described as other than "westal wirgins". Damn!
Very cool
Love that lamp!
in Andrzej Sapkowski's "The Witcher" novels one of the dominant religions literally is the Eternal Fire
A video about indo-european stuff from you would be very great.
Good to see you on form Metatron
❤your channel and also love your movie/tv reviews which happen, sort of accidentally , but in saying that I enjoy your deconstruction of the source material . Any thoughts on the “fallout” or have you watched it yet ? I’m really enjoying it , it’s a breath of fresh air , I’d love to hear your views . ❤❤
I immediately thought about the religion of eternal fire from The Witcher 3 ❤🔥
GOD bless
Zargothrax, Master of Darkness, Keeper of the Celestial Flame! That's all I can think about as soon as I saw the thumbnail and title.
Oh dear, hubby is singing about sobbin women... thanks. 🙄I guess it's my fault for my love of musicals but the minute you said "Sabine" now we've got Howard Keel from "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" being channeled thru hubby. Not sure if you've ever seen it but it has a couple of the most amazing and athletic dance scenes in history. We got farm boys vs city boys, and having married a farm boy I can tell you they win in the stamina department every time! 😊One of the scenes was one of the longest taken in a single shot in history. It's very silly but I can watch those fellas dance and swing axes all day. Just want to let you know my family is praying for you and yours. We both lost our mothers to different forms of dementia before they actually passed away, it was like we lost them long before they died and they suffered so. I pray you and your family get through with the knowledge you will see her again. God bless all of you. This was a beautiful tribute.
Interesting. Maybe you should make a video on how temples were involved in politics and finances in the ancient world and even how the Church was involved in politics and finances in the late Roman Empire.
Glad to see you back at work. My two lines of text to increase the comment count… 😊
Which book? Well, mine for a start... I have kind of fascination for fire that came along with dark souls, and researching though the various myths and cultural traditions around past civilizations of the world was a fun and fascinating period. Always nice to have some recalls and new elements, thank you for that as Always, Metatron. Funnily enough, I thought of FrostPunk first... keep the fire CONSTANTLY running at all cost or face death in the cold.
Reminds me of the Sacred Fire of the Iroquois as well as a few other cultures. It must be one of those throwbacks to the most ancient of days
There is also the olympic flame that was carried from Olympia (Greek city in Peloponisos) to Athens for the Olympic Games Also the Eastern flame for Christianity that -for the religious people- lights only to the head of the church in Istabul etc
❤❤❤
While not specifically an Eternal Flame, the Centennial Flame at the Canadian Parliament buildings serves a very similar purpose to those in Roman centers. It is located on the promenade at the Queen's Gate (Central Gate) on Parliament Hill, which used to lead directly to the Peace Tower. It was erected for Canada's Centennial Anniversary of Confederation in 1967. Its all I can think of though.