Demeter

Also known as: Cabirian Demeter / Chamyne / Cidarian Demeter / Demeter Thesmia / Eleusinian Demeter / Erinys / Lusia / Mysian Demeter / Pan-Achæan Demeter / Pelasgian / horse-bearing Demeter · Family: divine · Role: goddess · First appears: Book 1 · Chapter 2

In Book 1, Demeter appeared in Argos in the form of a woman when Pyrrhus was killed by a thrown tile. Pelasgus received her into his house, while Chrysanthis told her of Proserpine’s rape, after which Demeter taught Eubules and Triptolemus how to sow corn. Phytalus also received her and was given a fig tree in return. Her worship was represented in statues attributed to Praxiteles, and she shared honors with Athene and Poseidon; temples and halls were also associated with Car and Pelasgus.

In Book 2, Demeter took compassion on Plemnæus and reared his child Orthopolis, prompting Plemnæus to build a temple in gratitude. She taught Triptolemus, Diocles, Eumolpus, and Celeus the performance of her rites and mysteries: “She shewed Triptolemus, and Diocles tamer of horses, and powerful Eumolpus, and Celeus leader of the people, the due performance of her rights and mysteries.” Atheras and Mysius offered her hospitality, while Colontas refused to receive her despite Chthonia’s opposition; Demeter then conveyed Chthonia to Hermione, where she built a temple to Demeter. Temples were also connected with Althepus, Clymenus, and Mysius, and at Mysæum men withdrew while women performed the rites alone during the night.

In Books 6 through 8, images of Demeter and Proserpine were made by Herodes, Euclides, and Damophon, while Trisaules and Damithales received Demeter beneath Mount Cyllene and established her rites as Demeter Thesmia. While searching for Proserpine, Demeter was pursued by Poseidon, and the traditions say that she bore to him a daughter whose name was withheld from the uninitiated, as well as the foal Arion. The Arcadians identified this daughter as Despœna, while another tradition called Artemis the daughter of Demeter; Persephone was also described as the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. After Pan found Demeter hidden in a cave on Mount Elaion, Zeus sent the Fates to her, and she laid aside her anger and grief. The people of Phigalia later restored her honors after an oracle warned of famine, while Onatas made her a bronze statue and Pausanias sacrificed to her according to local custom.