Like her niece Athena, Hestia loved peace. While Athena would participate in war if necessary, Hestia refused to get involved in any dispute, no matter the cause or the consequences. This strong belief in peace was one reason that Hestia, though essentially goddess of the home and family, did not marry and have a family of her own. Even so, she did have suitors.

Her brother Poseidon and her nephew Apollo, the god of music, both courted her — or at least they wanted to. Rivalry sparked between the two gods, creating a heated argument that had the potential to turn into a larger battle. Hestia, not wanting to be a catalyst for war, refused them both and appealed to Zeus to intervene.

Zeus granted Hestia permission to remain a virgin and offered her his protection. With Zeus on her side, Hestia swore an oath to remain eternally chaste. Her vow of chastity was the reason that she required the Vestal Virgins to be chaste while they served her.

But not everyone respected Hestia's vow of chastity. During a Dionysiac festival, Priapus, son of Aphrodite and Dionysus, saw Hestia and lusted after her. That same night, as Hestia lay sleeping, Priapus attempted to violate her. He nearly succeeded, but a donkey brayed loudly and awoke the goddess. Seeing Priapus, Hestia screamed, and he ran away. From that time forward, the feast of Hestia included adorning donkeys with flowers.