The daughter of Cronus and Rhea, Demeter (meaning
"earth mother") was one of the earliest Olympians. She oversaw the
growth of crops and all aspects of fertility, including childbirth. Her
daughter, Persephone (Roman Proserpina), was abducted by Hades and became queen
of the underworld. Griefstricken, Demeter stopped all growth across the earth.
As she searched for her daughter, she disguised herself as an old woman. She
spent some time in Eleusis, where, in gratitude, she tried to bestow
immortality on the king's infant son, Dernophon-an effort that backfired.
She continued her search until she discovered Persephone's
whereabouts and demanded her release. As a compromise, Zeus allowed Persephone
to spend part of the year with Demeter and part with Hades, providing a mythological
reason for the changing seasons.
In a more sublime sense, Demeter and Persephone were
worshipped in the Eleusinian Mysteries (secret initiation ceremonies) as goddesses
who eased the transition between life and death. Although she was generally
seen as a benevolent figure, she could be dangerous if insulted. When
Erysichthon cut down trees in her sacred grove, Demeter punished him with an
insatiable craving for food. He ate and ate but remained insatiable.
by Emma Griffiths, 30 Second Mythology
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