Demeter (Grain)
godDemeter was the goddess of grain, harvest, and fertility whose grief over Persephone's abduction explained the seasons and whose Mysteries promised hope beyond death.
The Myth
When Hades abducted Persephone, Demeter withdrew her gifts. Crops withered, famine spread. She wandered disguised as an old woman, coming to Eleusis where she attempted to immortalise the prince Demophon. Zeus forced Hades to release Persephone, but the pomegranate seeds bound her to return. Demeter established the Eleusinian Mysteries — secret rites that promised a blessed afterlife. Her power over grain made her the most practically important deity for farmers.
Children
Persephone (by Zeus), Plutus, Despoina
Symbols
Fun Fact
The word "cereal" comes from Ceres, Demeter's Roman name — every breakfast bowl carries a goddess.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Demeter
godGoddess of grain, harvest, and the fertility of the earth. When her daughter Persephone was...
Eleusis
placeEleusis was a sacred city near Athens, home to the Eleusinian Mysteries — the most important secret...
Hades
godRuler of the underworld and lord of the dead. Despite his fearsome reputation, Hades was not evil —...
Kronos
titanKing of the Titans who ruled during the mythological Golden Age. Kronos overthrew his father...
Persephone
godDaughter of Demeter and queen of the underworld. Her annual return from Hades brings spring; her...
Rhea
titanMother of the Olympian gods and wife of Kronos. Rhea saved the infant Zeus from being devoured by...