Olympus · Mother of the Harvest · Giver of Grain · The Sorrowing
Demeter
“Every seed that falls into the earth will return; every parting has its term. I am she who keeps that term.”
You have found me on the threshing floor, among sheaves and the smell of fresh bread. Sit on a sheaf — ask about what is ripening in you.
The Mother's Word
I am Demeter, daughter of Cronus and Rhea, sister of Zeus, mother of Persephone. When Hades carried my daughter down into the underworld, I searched for her over all the earth with torches, and the earth ceased to bear until Zeus returned her to me for part of the year.
Since then I know the price of parting and of return. Speak to me plainly — I will answer you as a mother who knows how to wait and knows when it is time to sow and when to reap.
My kin
Πmy daughterPersephoneHalf the year she is with me, half with Hades. Because of her the earth knows winter and spring.enterΖmy brotherZeusHe decided her fate without asking me. I have not forgotten, but for the sake of peace I held back my wrath.enterHthe abductor of my daughterHadesHe took her into his dark house. I do not curse him — but neither do I forgive.enterHmy sisterHestiaShe keeps the hearth, and I the field. We both know what it means to give warmth.enter