Greek and Roman Mythology: Other Gods and Goddesses: Demeter
[ Aeolus ] [ Asclepius ] [ Charon ] [ Demeter ] [ Dionysus ] [ The Erinyes ] [ Eris ] [ Eros ]
[ The Fates ] [ The Graces ] [ Hebe ] [ Helius ] [ Iris ] [ Leto ] [ Morpheus ]
[ Nemesis ] [ Nike ] [ Pan ] [ Persephone ] [ Thanater ] [ The Muses ]
Demeter was known as the goddess of crops (corn especially) who presided over all dealings related
to the harvest.
Pronunciation: dee-MEE-tur
Story of Persephone: Unknown to Demeter, after the birth of her daughter Persephone, the child was promised to the god Hades as a wife. One day after Persephone had grown to womanhood, the earth opened up and she was taken by Hades into the underworld. Demeter was so distraught that she wandered the earth, searching for her taken child until the god Helius had told her what happened. In an act of anger, Demeter left Olympus as wandered t Eleusis disguised as an old woman. While Demeter was in suffering the earth grew no fruit nor bore no crops. Zeus finally intervened and allowed Persephone to return home. Unknown to all but Hades, Persephone had eaten 4 seeds of the pomegranate fruit. Because of this Persephone must return to the underworld for 4 months of the year, the rest she was to remain above.
Story of Eleusis: Upon Demeter's wandering she traveled to the city of Eleusis, and the palace of King Celeus. The King's wife, Metaneria, welcomed Demeter into her home and hired her to look after her new son, Demophon. Demeter took excellent care of the infant by nourishing him on ambrosia, and at night placing him in the fire to burn away all that was mortal of him. One day Metaneria discovered the child in the fire and was horrified. Demeter revealed herself and demanded a temple be built there.
Father: Cronus
Mother: Rhea
Lovers: Zeus, Poseidon, Iason
Children: Persephone, Despoena, Plutus, Kore (nameless one), Arion
Other Names: Kore, Demeter Erinys, Demeter Lousia
Symbol: Sceptre, Corn, Wheat
Animal: Pig, Snake
Cult Centers: Eleusis, Sicily
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Copyright: Nikki Burke 2000-2008
Website Last Updated: January 03, 2008
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