Demeter's Role In Greek Mythology

Demeter means “mother goddess” or “barley mother”, her Roman name was Ceres. Demeter was the greek goddess of corn, grain, and harvest and is linked to preserving and harvesting grains. “As the grain Goddess she also became the patron Goddess of millers and bakers.” (“Facts About Demeter the Greek Goddess”) “It was believed that Demeter made the crops grow each year; thus the first loaf of bread made from the annual harvest was offered to her. She was the goddess of the earth, of agriculture, and of fertility in general.” (“Greek Mythology: Demeter”) Demeter was basically the goddess of famine and hunger. Like most of the Greek gods, she represented a force of nature, which means she could bring either blessing or curse. It has been said Demeter taught the art of agriculture to Triptolemus, who then spread this knowledge to the rest of mankind. (“Greek Mythology: Demeter”) (“Facts About Demeter the Greek Goddess”) (“Goddess of Agriculture & Horticulture”)

Persephone's story is very interesting as it relates to the relationships between some of the most important Greek gods. Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. When she was younger, she was playing in a meadow with some of her friends who were Nymphs. Persephone was collecting flowers for her mother when she saw the most beautiful flower

The Greeks had many underground ceremonies for Demeter to ensure a decent harvest. She was the foundation for the Eleusinian Mysteries, the most widespread rituals of Ancient Greece. The Eleusinian Mysteries, was explained in Homer’s book called, “Hymn to Demeter”. The royal family of Eleusis helped Demeter to find her daughter, Persephone. Then, Demeter,

Demeter, she with the beautiful garlands in her hair, kept them (the seeds) covered underground,” (The Homeric Hymns 306).The strength and determination of Demeter and Persephone collectively demonstrate helps to overthrow the male dominance in this myth. Crafting a deal with Zeus, Demeter and Persephone achieve their goal and finally reunite. Throughout history, women have been used to gain power, please individuals, and finish trade deals- the Homeric Hymn to Demeter is absolutely no omission from this. Even though the portrayal of women in this myth are grim, it does bring light and legitimates the unfair power contrast between men and women of the

They have some similarities that can be seen after reading both of their stories. In the story of Demeter, her daughter Persephone is kidnapped and forced into marriage by means of her father. This causes Demeter to freak

World Literature Paper – Role of Athena and Penelope in The Odyssey Homer’s, The Odyssey is an epic which was written many years ago. At that time, in Ancient Greek society, the dominant role was played by men and the women were considered and given an inferior position. But The Odyssey was often considered a women’s epic because women played an important role. Women in The Odyssey are portrayed as powerful, wise and controlling because they ensure that the illusion of male success will go on - they speak as men through women.

She was also responsible for relationships between people and their connection with gods. Joshua J. Mark also described some of the minor goddesses: “Tenenet was the goddess of beer,

On a reading of the Homeric Hymn to Demeter which regards Persephone, Demeter's daughter, as being representative of spring, the myth of Persephone's kidnapping by Hades can be interpreted as allegorical of the changing of the seasons. In particular, Persephone can be considered as a metaphor for the planting of seeds. While she is kept underground in the realm of Hades during the winter, no crops are grown and the land is barren. However, as the winter transitions into the spring Persephone emerges from the underworld, much like a budding plant, and reunites with her mother and the other Olympian gods and goddesses above ground. When Persephone is relegated to live with Hades she falls into a depression and becomes, figuratively speaking,

She looks almost identical to her mother, but she had Zeus’ blue eyes. Her mother takes care of the earth 's vegetation, so she really didn 't have a purpose. She just lived her life as calm as a brook. Unfortunately, that took a dark turn unexpectedly. Long before Zeus married Hera, he had his eyes set on Demeter.

This plot highlights the relationship between mother and child. It provides female perspective of arranged marriages which were common in ancient Greece and still practiced in some parts of the world today. In her depression after learning Persephone has been kidnapped and that it was and arranged marriage decreed by Zeus, Demeter goes searching to fill the void and her need to mother. When disguised as an elderly woman she describes her elderly appearance as “A woman past her prime.” (Thury and Devinney 439).

In The Odyssey, by Homer, Athena influences the lives of Odysseus and his family. In Greek mythology, gods challenge and control mortals. Gods also provide support to mortals and thus, mortals depend and act on behalf of the gods and their decisions. Athena, daughter of Zeus, is the goddess of wisdom, and both Telemachus and Odysseus benefit from her power. Athena possesses the ability to disguise herself and others, and this skill allows her to give advice and guidance.

Athena, from the root Athens, is the Greek virgin Goddess of wisdom, courage, inspiration, civilization, law and justice, strategic warfare, mathematics, strength, strategy, the arts, crafts, and skill. Athena is a interesting goddess who has a peculiar family history, many interesting symbols and representations, and some legendary stories. Athena is the daughter of Zeus and Metis. Zeus had many children, and Athena’s siblings include: Ares, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hermes, and Dionysus. Athena was Zeus’ favorite child.

Greek Goddesses In the popular Katy Perry song “Dark Horse” the pop singer refers to the greek goddess Aphrodite in the lyrics following: “Make me your one and only, make me your Aphrodite”. The lyric may not make sense to a person with little knowledge of greek goddesses, but just by knowing the basic goddesses many modern and ancient references can make more sense. Greek goddesses played a large role in mythology, and by learning their parts in these myths, modern readers can better understand myths today such as Homer’s The Odyssey.

Persephone, Demeter’s daughter, went to pick flowers but Hades seized the girl and took her to the dark Underworld. Demeter wanted nothing more than to get her child back, so she brought devastation to the world. Zeus, not looking out for just his interests, agrees to the following, “Give me back my child, and the earth shall grown fertile once more. Unwillingly, Zeus granted Demeter’s request” (Demeter 2). This quote really emphasises the fact that Zeus could have made any decision he wanted.

However, it was at this moment that Zeus noticed whom Hades had become smitten with: the daughter of Demeter and Zeus himself,