Demeter
Demeter is a Greek goddess of all things related to agriculture, its products. She is regarded as the one who holds earth's fertility in her hands. With Zeus, Demeter produced a daughter, Persephone. Her Roman counterpart is Ceres.
Mythology
According to stories, at some point the god of underworld Hades, stole Demeter's daughter with the intent to marry her.[1]
Places of interest
The Sanctuary of Eleusis was a central location for the worship of Demeter and Persephone, and the Telesterion was where people annually participated in the Eleusinian Mysteries, initiation practices into the cult of Demeter and Persephone. In Athens, a statue featuring the goddess and her daughter stood watch over the road leading from the acropolis to the Sanctuary of Eleusis.[1]
In addition to Sanctuary of Eleusis, Demeter was especially honored on the Greek island of Crete, where she introduced a number of discoveries such as the art of growing wheat, prior to spreading them throughout the Greek world. She would later have a temple dedicated to her in the city-state of Gortyn in Messara.[1]
Influence
The Olympic Games held at the Sanctuary of Olympia in Elis were presided over by a Priestess of Demeter, and she was the only woman allowed to witness the events.[2]
Trivia
- The statue used in-game for Demeter is based on Bertel Thorvaldsen's sculpture of the Greek goddess Hebe.
- According to the myths, the Titan Kronos devoured every child he begat with his sister-wife Rhea. When Zeus saved his siblings, they accompanied him as the new gods, and became part of the twelve mightiest. In order from oldest to youngest, the children were Hestia, Demeter, Hera, Hades and Poseidon before Zeus.
Gallery
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The Statue of Demeter and Kore in Athens
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (statue only)
References