A-Z: General definitions: Ceres

Definition

Demeter (Ceres) was the Greek goddess of corn, the sustainer of life for all creatures. She was a daughter of Cronos and had a daughter, Persephone Proserpine, by her brother Zeus. With Zeus' support, Hades abducted Persephone, taking her down into the Underworld to be his wife. Demeter searched for her daughter, her grief making the earth barren. Zeus ordered Hades to return the girl, but she had already eaten one (or six) pomegranate seeds, meaning she had to stay with Hades. An agreement was reached to restore the Earth's fertility: Persephone would leave the Underworld for half of each year to be with Demeter, thus establishing the seasonal pattern of the crops.

Related Topics

Hades; Cronos
Scan and go

Scan on your mobile for direct link.