The Story of Persephone

The goddess Demeter is known as the Grain-Mother. Her daughter, Persephone, is the Grain-Maiden, representing the new crop. Demeter gave mortals the gift of wheat: she taught them how to plant, cultivate, and harvest the wheat, then grind it for food. Persephone also watched over the crops with her mother. As Persephone spent long beautiful days with her mother, they would talk together. Persephone was sensitive to the spirits of the dead hovering around their earthly homes. She realized they did not understand their own state. She asks if there was anyone in the netherworld to receive the newly dead. Demeter answers, It is I who has domain over the underworld. The underworld will fertilize the seed. I know of the realm of the dead, by my work is here. Demeter decided that she would go to them. Demeter told her of the gloom of the underworld, and hoped her daughter would reconsider. Persephone remained firm. The mother and daughter hugged; as Persephone left, Demeter vowed that for every day that Persephone remained in the underworld, she would mourn her absence. In her sorrow she withdrew her power from the earth, hence the months of winter and barrenness. Soon a ring of crocus pushed forth from the earth, whispering "Persephone returns!" Demeter rushed to welcome her daughter; everywhere around them echoed the happiness and rejoicing in the new life of spring.