The goddess who protects the hearth in Roman mythology is Vesta. As the goddess of the home and family, Vesta embodies the spirit of domesticity, warmth, and security. Worshipped primarily through the Vestal Virgins, who maintained the sacred fire in her temples, she symbolizes both the physical and spiritual home. The hearth was seen as a vital aspect of Roman life, representing community and sanctuary. Vesta's role highlights the importance of community bonds and the reverence for domestic life, influencing morality and societal structure in ancient Rome.