Mythology is a vast and fascinating topic, with major influence on both ancient and modern cultures. One of the most famous mythologies is that of the Greeks, made well-known by popular culture. Blogger Jake Sonderman explores the mythology of the Greeks with the story of Demeter, Persephone, and the Eleusinian mysteries.
By Jake Sonderman
Throughout high school, we learn about Greek mythology. This mythology has roots in literary classics that continue to have relevance today. But, what influence did this mythology and religion have on the everyday lives of Greek citizens?
Demeter
Demeter was a very important goddess in the eyes of the Greek people. Demeter is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Both agriculture and fertility played large roles in the lives of most Greek citizens. They were mostly farmers. Demeter was the middle daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and the sister to Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Hestia, and Hera (greekmythology.com).
The Story of Persephone
An important part of Demeter’s story is the story of her daughter, Persephone. First her name was Kore actually, and Hades took a liking to her. Hades, with the help of Zeus (who is also Persephone’s father), abducted Kore and took her to the underworld. Demeter searched the Earth for her daughter until Hecate and Helios told her Kore was taken to the underworld. Demeter, heartbroken, disguised herself and went to the city of Eleusis to grieve. The king of Eleusis, Celeus, hired the disguised Demeter to care for his infant son. Demeter felt grateful to the family for taking her in and decided to make their son immortal as a gift. To do so, she bathed him in fire every night (greekmythology.com) (ancient.eu).
While she was bathing the child in fire, she was interrupted by the son’s mother, Metanira. Metanira was understandably horrified and outraged to see her son in a fire bath. This reaction greatly upset Demeter. She revealed her true identity and demanded a temple be built for her in Eleusis. The King, Celeus, agreed and built the temple. Here, Demeter grieved over her daughter and refused to leave the temple. During this time, no crops grew (remember she is the goddess of agriculture). This also meant that no gods were given any sacrifices. This drove Zeus to convince Hades to give Kore, now known as Persephone (or “she who brings doom”), back to her mother (ancient.eu).
However, Hades (still besotted with Persephone) tricked Demeter by giving Persephone a pomegranate seed while in the underworld. The rule was that one was bound to the underworld if one ate anything in it. Because of this, a compromise was struck. Persephone would spend half her time above ground, half below, and, thus, the seasons are explained. Demeter mourns when her daughter goes underground, and this is winter. When Persephone comes back, Demeter rejoices, and it is summer.
The Eleusinian Mysteries
This story is considered to be one of the most important in Greek Mythology because of the festival and following that grew from it. Every year, a group of Athenian citizens, many of them prominent scholars such as Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle (britannica.com) (ancient.eu), would journey to the city of Eleusis to participate in the Rites of Eleusis. The most interesting part of this very well known Greek tradition was that all “initiates” would go into a temple to participate in a ritual but were bound by secrecy and could not divulge what happened in the temple to anyone.
The rites were likely a re-enactment of Persephone’s journey from life to the afterlife and back again. Persephone’s journey was more than simply the seasons for these people; it was about life being circular and not linear. Many participants came away with a new sense of purpose and new understanding of life. Plutarch, another famous Greek philosopher, wrote about the mysteries to his wife upon the death of their daughter; “because of those sacred and faithful promises given in the mysteries…we hold it firmly for an undoubted truth that our soul is incorruptible and immortal. Let us behave ourselves accordingly” (ancient.eu).
Unfortunately, much of Eleusis and the religious sites in it were destroyed when Constantine converted to Christianity, and all pagan traditions and structures became abominations in the eyes of the public and government. Still, I am grateful for what we do know. For as much as we think of Greek Mythology as fun little stories, I believe there is true wisdom–if you are willing to look for it.
Mythology Editor: Elizabeth Shay
Sources:
https://www.ancient.eu/Eleusis/
https://www.ancient.eu/article/32/the-eleusinian-mysteries-the-rites-of-demeter/
https://www.ancient.eu/article/32/the-eleusinian-mysteries-the-rites-of-demeter/
https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Demeter/demeter.html
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eleusinian-Mysteries
https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-8127