Olympus, disguised herself as an old woman, and wandered unre-
cognized through the cities and countryside. One day she reached
Eleusis, sat down near the well, and was found by the daughters of
Celeus, the ruler of Eleusis. Something about her bearing and her
beauty drew them to her. When Demeter told them that she was
looking for work as a nursemaid, they brought her home to their
mother Metanira, for they had a late-born, much-loved baby brother
named Demophoön.
Under Demeter’s care, Demophoön grew up like a god. She fed
him ambrosia and secretly held him in a fire, which would have
made him immortal had not Metanira come on the scene and
screamed in fear for her son. Demeter reacted with fury, berated
Metanira for her stupidity, and revealed her true identity. On saying
that she was Demeter, the goddess changed in size and shape and
revealed her divine beauty. Her golden hair fell to her shoulders,
her fragrance and brightness filled the house with light.
Now Demeter commanded that a temple be built for her. There
she installed herself, sat alone with her grief for her abducted
daughter, and refused to function. As a consequence, nothing could
grow and nothing could be born. Famine threatened to destroy the
human race, depriving the Olympian gods and goddesses of their
offerings and sacrifices.
Finally, Zeus took notice. First he sent his messenger, Iris, to im-
plore Demeter to come back. Then, since Demeter remained un-
moved, every Olympian deity in turn came bearing gifts and honors.
To each, the furious Demeter made it known that she would not set
foot on Mt. Olympus or allow anything to grow, until Persephone
was returned to her.
Finally Zeus responded. He sent Hermes, the Messenger God, to
Hades, commanding him to bring Persephone back in order “that
her mother on seeing her with her own eyes, would abandon her
anger.” Hermes went to the underworld and found Hades sitting
on a couch next to a depressed Persephone.
On hearing she was free to go, Persephone rejoiced and jumped
up with joy to accompany Hermes. But first Hades gave her some
sweet pomegranate seeds, which she ate.
Hermes borrowed Hades’s chariot to take Persephone home. The
horses flew quickly from underworld to upper
Goddesses in Everywoman