Introduction:
The Hymn to Demeter is the second in a collection of thirty-three anonymous ancient Greek hymns celebrating individual gods, mostly dating to the seventh century B.C., shortly after the works of Homer and Hesiod had first been written down, and they are therefore among the oldest monuments of Ancient Greek literature. In antiquity they were uncritically attributed to Homer, the earliest reference to them coming from Thucydides (see Bk III. 104). Although it is now clear they were not written by Homer, they were composed in the old epic style, i.e. in dactylic hexameters and in a dialect closely resembling that of Homer. Most of them are very short, if not fragmentary, but four of them, i.e. hymns 2-5, are more lengthy: (2) to Demeter 495 lines; (3) to Apollo 546 lines; (4) to Hermes 580 lines; and (5) to Aphrodite 293 lines.
The Hymn to Demeter is one of the main sources for the legend of the rape of Persephone (Proserpina in Latin) by her uncle Hades, who, with the encouragement of his brother Zeus, who was also Persephone's father, took her down with him to the Underworld, where he installed her as his queen. Persephone's mother Demeter (Ceres in Latin), the Goddess of the Crops, looks for her desperately, and, when she finds out what has happened, is so angered by her daughter's fate that she stops the crops growing. As a result human-beings starve, and the gods are denied their much valued sacrificial rights. At Zeus' request, Hades allows Persephone to return to the arms of her mother in the world above, but, because he has tricked her into eating a morsel - a pomegranate seed - , Persephone's reinstatement to the world cannot be total. Zeus, however, arranges for her to spend a third of the year, i.e. the winter months, with Hades in the Underworld, and the other two-thirds of the year with her mother and the other gods on Mount Olympus, and he then prevails upon their mother Rhea to persuade Demeter to accept this compromise solution. Calm is then restored to the world of the immortals, and the crops are allowed to grow again, much to the relief of all. This entertaining legend provided the ancients with a mythical explanation of the seasons, and was also the foundation of the Eleusinian mysteries, sacred to Demeter, which were so greatly valued by the inhabitants of Athens, and many others in antiquity, including the Emperor Hadrian.
The text for this translation is taken from "Homeric Hymns", edited by Hugh G. Evelyn-White, Harvard University Press, published by William Heinemann, London (1914), and is available on the 'Perseus' website, sponsored by the Classics Department of Tufts University.
Ll. 1-39. Hades carries off Persephone with the connivance of Zeus.
I begin to sing of that revered goddess, fair-haired Demeter, and of her daughter with the long tapered ankles (i.e. Persephone), whom Aidoneus (i.e. Hades) carried off, and (whom) the far-seeing and loud-thundering Zeus had given him. Separated from Demeter, with her sword of gold and the bearer of beautiful fruits, she was playing with the deep-bosomed daughters of Oceanus and gathering flowers from a soft grassy meadow: roses, and crocuses, and beautiful violets, and irises, and hyacinths, and the narcissus which, at the will of Zeus, the Earth brought forth (as) a marvellous gleaming snare for the blushing maiden to please the Host of Many (i.e. Hades): indeed, (it was) a thing of awe for all the deathless gods and mortal men to see: and from its root there grew a hundred heads: its odour smelled most sweetly, and all the wide heaven above, and the whole earth, and the sea's salt swell laughed (for joy). And then the (maiden) was amazed and reached out with both her hands together to take the lovely toy; but the wide-pathed earth gaped open (there) in the plain of Nysa, and the All-Receiving king, the many named son of Cronos, with his immortal horses (i.e. Hades), sprang upon her.
And he caught (her) up and, against her will, he bore her off, lamenting: then, she cried out in a shrill voice, calling upon her father, the most high and most excellent son of Cronos (i.e. Zeus). But no one among the immortals or among mortal men heard her voice, nor (did) the rich fruit-bearing olive-trees, but only the bright head-banded Hecate, the tender-hearted daughter of Perses, from her cave, and the lord Helios (i.e. the Sun), Hyperion's brilliant son, heard the maiden as she called upon her father, Cronos' son (i.e. Zeus): but he was sitting some distance apart from the gods in his temple where many people pray, receiving sweet offerings from mortal men. Then, at the bidding of Zeus, her father's brother, the much-named son of Cronus, the Ruler of Many (and) Host of Many (i.e. Hades), bore her off against her will by means of his immortal horses.
And so, as long as she, the goddess (i.e. Persephone), beheld the earth and the starry heavens and the strongly-flowing sea full of fish and the rays of the sun, and still hoped to see her dear mother and the tribes of the eternal gods, so long does hope dispel her great heart of all its anxiety: and the tops of the mountains and the depths of the ocean echoed with her immortal voice: and her queenly mother heard her.
Ll. 40-86. Assisted by Hecate in her search for her daughter, Demeter meets Helios, who tells her how Hades has seized Persephone and taken her down into the Underworld.
A sharp pain took hold of her heart, and she (i.e. Demeter) rent asunder the veil around her divine hair, and cast down the dark cloak from both her shoulders, and sped like a large bird over land and sea in search (of prey): but no one, either among the gods or among mortal men, would tell her the truth, nor did any bird come to her (as) a messenger of the truth. Then, for nine days, queenly Deo (i.e. Demeter) wandered here and there across the earth, holding flaming pine-torches in her hands, and, in her grief, she never tasted any ambrosia or sweet nectar, nor did she sprinkle her body with bathing water. But then, when the tenth light-bringing dawn had come upon her, Hecate, holding a torch in her hands, met her, and then, bringing the news to her, she spoke the following words: "Queenly Demeter, bringer of the seasons, (and) bestower of splendid gifts, what heavenly god or mortal man has carried off Persephone, and caused your dear heart such grief? For I heard her voice, yet I did not see with my eyes who it was: but I shall quickly tell you everything that is true."
So Hecate spoke thus: and the daughter of fair-haired Rhea (i.e. Demeter) did not answer her in words, but sped away swiftly with her, holding flaming pine-torches in her hands. Then, they came to Helios, watchman of the gods and of men as well, and they stood in front of his carriage, and the goddess among goddesses inquired of (him): "Helios, may you have pity on me, goddess as I am, if I have ever melted your heart and soul by word or deed: through the barren air I have heard that shrill voice of the daughter whom I bore, that sweet child in lovely form, like one who has been violently seized, and yet I saw nothing with my eyes. But you, for with your beams you look down upon the whole earth and over the sea from the heavenly ether, must tell me truly of my beloved child, if you have seen her anywhere, what god, or mortal man even, has taken (her) by force (and) against her will, and is gone off (with her)."
So she spoke, and the son of Hyperion (i.e. Helios) answered in these words: "Queen Demeter, daughter of fair-haired Rhea, you will learn the truth: for I greatly revere you, and pity (you) greatly in your grief concerning your daughter with the long tapered ankles: no one else among the gods (is) to blame but cloud-gathering Zeus, who gave her to his own brother Hades to be called his buxom wife: and he seized (her) in his chariot and drove (her) crying loudly down into his murky land of darkness. But, goddess, do cease your loud wailing: you must not keep such fruitless terrible anger: Aidoneus (i.e. Hades), the Ruler of Many, (is) not an unfitting son-in-law for you among the immortals, (being) your own brother and sprung from the same stock (as you): and, with regard to honour, he happened to receive the third share, when the lots were taken at the beginning, and he was assigned to be king of those among whom he dwells."
Ll. 87-117. Saddened and angry, Demeter abandons meetings with the gods on Mount Olympus, and, disguised as an old woman, she sits down by a well near Eleusis, where she is questioned by the daughters of Celeus.
Speaking thus, he called to his horses: and, at his chiding, they pulled his nimble chariot swiftly along like long-winged birds. But grief, more terrible and more uncontrollable came into her heart: then, she was so angry with the cloud-wrapt son of Cronos (i.e. Zeus) that she forsook the assembly of the gods and high Olympus, and went to the cities and the rich fields of men, (while) softening her appearance for some time: and no one among the men and the low-girt women recognised (her) when they looked at (her), until the time when she came to the house of wise Celeus, who was then the lord of fragrant Eleusis. Saddened in her heart, she sat down by the roadside, by the Maiden well from which the citizens drew (water), in a shady (place), but above which there grew an olive-grove. (She looked) like an old woman, who is prohibited from child-bearing and (receiving) the gifts of garland-loving Aphrodite, like those who are the nurses of the children of justice-dealing kings and the housekeepers of their echoing halls. There the daughters of Celeus, son of Eleusis, saw her as she was coming for easy-drawn water in order to carry (it) in copper pitchers to their father's house; there were four (of them), like goddesses in the flower of their youth, Callidice, and Cleisidice, and lovely Demo, and Callithoë, who was the eldest of them all: they did not recognise (her): for the gods are discerned by mortals with difficulty. But standing near (her), they spoke winged words: "Who, and from where, are you, old lady? (Do you come) from people born long ago? Why then have you gone far away from the city, and not draw near to the houses? There in the shadowy halls (there are) women of just such an age as you, and there are some who were born younger (than you) who would certainly welcome you, both by word and by deed also."
Ll. 118-144. Demeter tells the daughters of Celeus that she has arrived in Eleusis as a fugitive, having escaped from a gang of pirates, who had enslaved her. She asks for their help in finding a suitable household where she could work.
Thus they said: and she, that queen among goddesses answered (them) with these words: "Dear children, whoever you are among the gender of women, greetings! I shall tell you my (story): (it is) not unseemly that I should tell you what you ask. My name is Doso: for my queenly mother gave it (to me). Now, indeed, I have come from Crete over the sea's wide back, not willingly, but pirates carried (me here) against my will by brute force. Then, they brought their swift ship into land at Thoricus, (and) there the women disembarked on the shore in a throng, and began to prepare supper beside the stern of the ship: but my heart did not crave a delicious meal, and by stealth I rushed off across the dark countryside in flight from my overbearing masters, so that they should not carry me, unbought, across the seas, in order to benefit from my purchase price. And so I came here in my wanderings, not knowing at all what land this is, and who are its inhabitants. But may all those who have dwellings on (Mount) Olympus give you men (as) husbands and children to be born (to you), as parents desire: and, then, have pity on me, maidens, and advise me clearly about this, so that I may learn, to the house of what husband and wife I may gladly go, dear children, so that I may willingly perform for them such tasks as an elderly woman can undertake: I could certainly well nurse a new-born child, holding (it) in my arms, and take care of the house and spread out my master's bed in a corner of his well-built bedchamber, and I could certainly teach women their tasks."
Ll. 145-183. At her daughters' suggestion, Metaneira agrees that the disguised goddess should come to work in her household.
Thus spoke the goddess: and straightway the unwedded maiden Callidice, the best-looking of Celeus' daughters, answered her: "Good mother, we mortals suffer the gifts of the gods, and of necessity we grieve very much: for they are much stronger (than we are). But (now) I shall tell you clearly about all these (things), and name those men who have great power and honour here, and are chief among our people, and the diadems of our city are held (by them) in honour of their (good) counsels and upright judgments. With regard to discreet Triptolemus, and Diocles, and Polyxeinus, and noble Eumolpus, and Dolichus, and our heroic father, the wives of all of them manage in their house: not one of them would dishonour your figure at first sight and turn you from the house, but they will welcome you: for, indeed, you are godlike. But if you are willing, stay here, so that we can go to our father's house and tell our deep-bosomed mother, Metaneira, everything in full, so that she may bid you come to our (house) and not the houses of the others. Her only son, our brother, late-born, (but) much-desired and welcome, is being reared in our well-constructed house. If you could bring him up and he could reach a measure of youth, anyone of the female gender who saw (you) would certainly wish to emulate you: such (gifts) would she give you for bringing him up!"
So she spoke, and the (goddess) nodded her head (in assent): and they filled their shining vessels with water, and carried (them) off rejoicing. Quickly they came to their father's great house, and immediately told their mother just what they had seen and heard. Then she told (them) to go very quickly and summon (her to come) for a boundless hire-fee. As hinds or heifers may bound around a meadow in spring time, their stomachs sated with pasture, so they, holding the folds of their lovely garments, darted down the hollow pathway: and their hair bounced around their shoulders like a crocus flower. Then, they found the noble goddess near the roadside where they had left (her) just before: so then they led (her) to their father's house: and then she, distressed in her heart, walked behind (them) with her head veiled: and a dark shawl wound itself around the goddess's slender feet.
Ll. 184-211. Demeter enters the house of Celeus, and, despite some initial difficulties, she accepts Metaneira's hospitality.
Soon, they came to the house of Celeus, cherished by Zeus, and they went through a portico, where their queenly mother was sitting beside a pillar of the thickly fitted roof, holding her son, her young scion (i.e. Demophoön), to her bosom; and they ran to her, but the (goddess) walked to the threshold, and her hair reached the roof and she filled the entrance with a heavenly radiance. Then, awe and reverence, and pale fear, took hold of her (i.e. Metaneira): and she gave up her couch and bade (her) be seated. But Demeter, the bringer of seasons, (and) the bestower of splendid gifts, would not sit down upon the gleaming couch, but stayed silent with her lovely eyes cast down, until (the moment) when the trusty (and) knowing Iambe (i.e. the witty but lame girl who was also a daughter of Celeus) placed a fixed seat for her, and threw a silver fleece over the top of (it). Sitting down there, she (i.e. Demeter) held her veil in her hands; she sat upon the stool for a long time without speaking due to her sorrow, and greeted no one either by word or deed, but lingered (there), never smiling (and) abstaining from food and drink, as she pined away with longing for her deep-bosomed daughter (i.e. Persephone), until the trusty and knowing Iambe, entertaining her with jokes, moved the holy queen to smile and laugh and be of a cheerful heart; then, indeed, she pleased her by her humour afterwards also. Then, Metaneira filled a goblet with sweet wine and offered (it) to her; but she refused (it): for she said that (it was) not permissible (for her) to drink red wine: and then she bade them mix barley-meal and water with soft mint and give (it to her) to drink. Then, she (i.e. Metaneira) prepared the potion and offered (it) to the goddess, as she had been instructed: then the great queen Deo (i.e. Demeter) received it in order to observe the sacrament (N.B. the drinking of this potion was central to the initiation ceremony of the Eleusinian mysteries and was the basis of communion with Demeter).
Ll. 212-247. Demeter is asked by Metaneira to become the nurse of her newly-born son, Demophoön. This Demeter gladly agrees to do, and under her care the boy grows up looking like a god, until Metaneira discovers that Demeter is placing him in the fire at night.
Then, the well-girded Metaneira began to speak the following (words): "Hail, lady, for I do not think that you come from poor parents, but from noble (ones): dignity and grace are conspicuous in your eyes just as they would also be (in the eyes) of kings who administer justice. Yet we mortals have, of necessity, to endure the gifts of the gods, grieved though we be: for a yoke is put upon our necks. But now, since you have come here, you shall have whatever I (can give you). And raise for me this child, whom the immortals sent late-born and unexpected, yet (who) is much desired by me. If you should bring him up and he should reach a measure of youth, anyone of the female gender would certainly envy (you): such great (rewards) would I give you for bringing him up!"
Then, well-girded Demeter answered her once more: "You also, lady, all hail! And may the gods give you good (fortune): gladly will I take your son to (my breast), as you are urging me (to do); I shall nurse him, and neither, I trust, through any folly of his nurse, shall witchcraft hurt him, nor the Undercutter (i.e. a worm supposed to cause teething pains): for I know a remedy much stronger than the Woodcutter (i.e. a charm intended to address teething pains), and I know an excellent safeguard against witchcraft."
Then, when she had so spoken, she took (the child) in her fragrant bosom with her immortal hands; and his mother was glad in her heart. So, the (goddess) nursed in the palace Demophoön, wise Celeus' splendid son, whom the well-girded Metaneira had brought into the world; and he grew like a god, and thus not eating food or sucking his mother's milk. For each day the beautifully-crowned Demeter would anoint (him) with ambrosia as if he were born of a god, as she breathed sweetly upon (him) and held (him) in her bosom; but at night she would hold (him) in the heart of the fire like a brand, without his parents' knowledge: it was a source of great wonder to them that he became so precocious; for face to face he looked like a god. And she would have made him ageless and immortal, if the well-girded Metaneira had not kept watch by night from her sweet-smelling bed-chamber, and spied (on them); and she wailed and smote both of her thighs (in terror), fearing for her son and greatly distraught in her heart, and so she lamented and uttered these winged words:
Ll. 248-291. Metaneira's anxiety about Demeter's treatment of Demophoön causes the goddess to become very angry.
"Demophoön, my child, this strange (woman) is burying you deep in the fire, and is causing me grief and bitter sorrow."
Thus she spoke in a mournful voice: and the goddess among goddesses heard her. Then, the beautifully crowned Demeter was (so) provoked by her that she snatched her son, to whom she had unexpectedly given birth in the palace, from the fire with her immortal hands and cast (him) from her to the ground, so terribly angry (was she) in her heart. So then, she addressed the well-girded Metaneira at the same time: "Unprepared and witless (are you) mortals to foresee your appointed lot, whether for good or for bad: for now in your folly you (have wrought) damage beyond healing. For may the relentless waters of the Styx bear witness to an oath of the gods, I would have made your beloved son deathless and ageless all his days, and (upon him) I would have bestowed imperishable honour: but now he cannot, by any means, escape death and destruction; yet unfailing honour will always be upon (him), for the reason that he lay upon my knees and slept in my folded arms. But then, as the years revolve around him in their seasons, the sons of the Eleusinians shall ever wage war and dread battle with one another constantly. Yet, I am that esteemed Demeter, who is the greatest source of support and joy to immortals and mortals (alike). But come, let all the people build me a great temple and an altar below it beneath the city, and a high wall upon a rising hillock above Callichorus. Then, I myself will lay down my rites, so that hereafter you may perform them perfectly and appease my heart."
When she had thus spoken, the goddess changed her stature and her looks, thrusting old age away from (her): beauty spread both around and about her, and a lovely smell was wafted from her fragrant robes, and a lustrous light from her immortal body shone afar, and her golden tresses lay upon her shoulders, and as a result that compact house was filled with sunlight (and) lightning; and she went right through the palace. And straightway her (i.e. Metaneira's) knees were loosened, and she became speechless for a long while, and she completely forgot to pick up her darling child from the floor. But his sisters gave heed to his pitiable voice, and so leapt down from their well-spread beds ; then one of them took up the child with her hands and laid him on her bosom, while another one kindled the fire, and a third rushed on her tender feet to arouse their mother from her fragrant bed-chamber. And they gathered together around him, and washed (him) as he struggled, and embraced (him) lovingly: but his spirit was not comforted: for now less skilful feeders and nurses were handling him.
Ll. 292-345. In her fury, Demeter causes a famine across the earth, and Zeus sends divine messengers to her to seek to persuade her to desist.
All night long they tried to appease the glorious goddess, as they quaked with fear, but, as soon as dawn began to appear, they told the wide-ruling Celeus the truth, just as the goddess, the beautifully-crowned Demeter, commanded. So he called his numerous people to an assembly, and bade (them) construct a goodly temple to fair-haired Demeter and an altar upon the rising hillock. And they applied themselves with all speed, and they hearkened to his words and did as he commanded. And the (child) (i.e. Demophoön) grew like a divine being.
Now, when they had completed (their work) and ceased from their toil, they went, each (man) going to his own house: but golden-haired Demeter sat there apart from all the blessed (gods), and stayed pining with longing for her deep-bosomed daughter. Then, she caused a most terrible and most shameless year for mankind over the much-nourishing earth: the ground would not allow any seed to sprout, for the richly crowned Demeter kept (it) hidden; and in the corn-fields the oxen drew many a curved plough in vain; and much white barley fell upon the earth to no purpose; and so she would have totally destroyed the race of articulate speaking man by a grievous famine, and have deprived those who have their dwellings on (Mount) Olympus of the glorious honour of their offerings and sacrifices, if Zeus had not perceived and pondered (these things) in his heart. Firstly, he aroused golden-winged Iris to call upon fair-haired Demeter, the possessor of such a lovely form. Thus he spoke: and she obeyed Zeus, the dark-clouded son of Cronos, and she ran swiftly on her feet across the space between (heaven and earth). Then, she came to the citadel of fragrant Eleusis, and found dark-veiled Demeter in her temple, and, addressing her, she uttered these winged words: "Demeter, father Zeus, whose knowledge is infinite, calls you to come and join with the tribes of the immortal gods. Come now, and may not this word I bring from Zeus be in vain."
Thus she spoke, entreating (her): but her heart was not persuaded. Then again the father (i.e. Zeus) sent out all the blessed and eternal gods one after another: and they came in succession, and they kept on calling (her) and giving (her) many very beautiful gifts and such honours as she might wish to choose among the immortal (gods). But no one was able to win over her mind and will, (so) angry (was she) in her heart: and she firmly rejected their advice. For she affirmed that she would never set foot upon fragrant Olympus or let fruit spring from the earth, until she saw her fair-faced daughter with her own eyes. Now, when the far-seeing and loud-thundering Zeus heard this, he sent the Slayer of Argus (i.e. Hermes) with his golden wand to Erebus (i.e. the Underworld), so that, having won over Hades with soft words, he might lead forth the pure Persephone from the murky darkness to join the divine beings, and so that her mother, having seen her with her own eyes, might renounce her anger. And Hermes did not disobey, but straightway rushed speedily downwards to the depths of the earth, leaving his abode on Olympus. And he found that the king (i.e. Hades) was within his house, seated on a couch together with his tender wife, unwilling (though she was), through yearning for her mother: but she (i.e. Demeter) was far away pursuing her dread design, through the deeds of the blessed gods.
Ll. 346-397. At Zeus' bidding, Hades agrees to send Persephone back to be reunited with her mother in the world above.
Then, the mighty Slayer of Argus stood near and said: "Dark-haired Hades, lord of those who have departed, father Zeus bids me bring noble Persephone forth from Erebus to join them, so that her mother, having seen her with her own eyes, may renounce her anger and dread wrath with the immortals: for now she plans an awful deed, to destroy the feeble tribes of earth-born men (by) keeping seeds hidden beneath the earth, and to bring an end to the honours of the immortals: and she maintains her dread anger and does not mingle with the gods, but sits aloof in her fragrant temple, (while) dwelling in the rocky citadel of Eleusis."
So he said, and Aidoneus (i.e. Hades), the lord of those beneath the earth, smiled grimly, and did not disobey the behest of Zeus the king: and he vehemently urged the thoughtful Persephone (as follows):
"Go, Persephone, to your dark-veiled mother, but keep a kind spirit and heart in your breast, and do not be so very melancholy far beyond all others: I shall not be an unseemly husband for you among the immortal (gods), (as I am) an own brother to your father Zeus: and, while you are here, you shall rule all those that live and move, and you shall have the greatest honours among those immortals. And for those who have wronged (you), those who may not appease your power, (by) performing pure rites (in your name) and paying (you) fit gifts, there will be punishment (i.e. delivered by the Furies) for the rest of their lives."
So he spoke, and the very thoughtful Persephone rejoiced, and hastily sprang up in her delight: but he on his part stealthily gave (her) sweet pomegranate seed to eat, arranging matters with regard to himself, so that she might not remain there continually with the august dark-veiled Demeter. Then, Aidoneus, the Ruler of Many, decked out his deathless horses at the front of his golden chariot. And she mounted the chariot, and beside (her), the mighty Slayer of Argus, took the reins and whip in his own hands, and drove out from the palace: and unconstrained they flew. Swiftly they came to the end of their long course: and neither the sea, nor river-waters, nor grassy glens, nor mountain-tops checked the career of the immortal horses, but they clove the deep air above them as they went. And, bringing them (to the place) where the well-crowned Demeter was staying, he halted (them) before her fragrant temple: and when she saw (them), she rushed forward, just as a Maenad (i.e. a Bacchanal) (does) down a mountain thick with woods. And on the other side, when Persephone saw her mother's beautiful eyes, she left the chariot and horses, and leapt down to run (to her), and fell upon her neck and embraced (her). But, (while) she was still holding her dear child in her arms, her heart suddenly sensed some snare, and so she trembled with a terrible fear and, ceasing her display of affection, she immediately asked (her) this question: "My child, surely you have not eaten any food while you were below? Speak out, (and) do not conceal (anything), so that we may both know: for, if that is the case, you may live apart from the loathsome Hades, and dwell with me and your father, the black-clouded son of Cronos (i.e. Zeus), and be honoured by all the immortal (gods).
Ll. 398-448. Persephone tells her mother how Hades, with Zeus' encouragement, had carried her down to the Underworld, and it becomes clear that she must now spend a third of the year there as Hades' queen.
"But, if you have eaten (any food), you must go back beneath the depths of the earth, and dwell (there) for a third part of the seasons every year, but for the (other) two (parts of the year), (you shall be) with me and the other immortals. But, when the earth shall bloom with every kind of spring's fragrant flowers, then you will come up once more from the murky darkness (as) a great (source of) wonder for gods and mortal men. And now tell (me) how the strong Host of Many (i.e. Hades) carried you off down into the murky darkness, and by what trick did he (manage to) deceive you?"
Then, the very beautiful Persephone answered her in reply: "Well then, mother, I shall tell you the whole truth: when Hermes the luck-bringer came, the swift messenger of my father, the son of Cronos, and the other heavenly ones, (bidding) me come back from Erebus, so that, having seen (me) with your own eyes, you might cease your anger and dreadful wrath against the immortals, I sprang up at once for joy: but he secretly put a pomegranate seed, honey-sweet food (that it is), in my (mouth), and forced me to eat (it) against my will. And I shall tell how, having snatched me up, he rushed off in accordance with the shrewd design of my father, the son of Cronos, and carried (me) off beneath the depths of the earth, and I shall relate the whole (story) just as you ask. We were all (i.e. Persephone was playing with the Oceanids, or the daughters of Oceanus, who are here listed) playing in a very lovely meadow, Leucippe and Phaeno, and Electra and Ianthe, and Melita and Iache, and Rhodea and Callirhoë, and Melobosis and Tyche, and Ocyrhoë with her sweet countenance, and Chryseïs and Ianeira, and Acaste and Admete, and Rhodope and Pluto, and charming Calypso, and Styx and Urania, and lovely Galaxaura, and Pallas, aroused by battles, and Artemis, the shooter of arrows, and we were gathering sweet flowers in profusion in our hands, both soft crocuses, and irises, and hyacinths, and rose-buds, and lilies, marvellous to see, and the narcissus, which the wide earth made to grow just like a crocus. Indeed, I plucked (it) in my joy: but the earth parted from below, and from there sprang forth the strong lord, the Host of Many, and, bearing (me) in his golden chariot much against my will, he went down beneath the earth; and then I cried out in a shrill voice. All this (is) indeed true, yet it grieves (me) to tell (it)."
So then, having a united spirit all day long, they greatly cheered one another's heart and soul, and shared embraces: and their hearts ceased sorrowing. And they received joys from one another, and gave (them). Then, Hecate with her bright-coloured head-band came near to them: and often did she lovingly embrace the chaste daughter of Demeter: from that (time) the lady became her attendant and companion. Then, far-seeing and loud-thundering Zeus sent them rich-haired Rhea (as) a messenger to bring dark-veiled Demeter to join the company of the gods, and he promised to give (her) whatever honours she should choose among the immortal gods. And he agreed that her daughter (should go) down to the murky darkness for the third part of the revolving year, but that, for the (other) two (parts, she should remain) with her mother and the other immortals. Thus he spoke: nor did the goddess (i.e. Rhea) disobey the commandments of Zeus.
Ll. 448-495.
Swiftly, she rushed down from the peaks of Olympus, and then she came to (the field of) Rarus (i.e. the place, sacred to Demeter, where tillage was first practised), (which was) once the most fertile and fruitful corn-land, but then, not fruitful at all, it was lying idle and utterly leafless: and so the white barley was being kept hidden by the design of Demeter with the beautiful ankles: but then, as spring waxed, it was soon destined to be decked with long ears of corn, and its rich furrows to be laden with ears of corn (lying) on the ground, and the (rest) to be bound in the bands of corn-sheaves. There she landed, the very first (being) from the barren ether: and they saw each other with gladness, and were cheered in their hearts. Then, Rhea with the bright head-band addressed her (i.e. Demeter) thus: "(Come) hither, my daughter, (for) the far-seeing (and) loud-thundering Zeus is calling you to go to join the company of the gods, and he has promised to give (you) whatever honours you may wish for among the immortal gods. And he has agreed that your daughter (should go) down to the murky darkness for the third part of the revolving year, but that for the (other) two (parts she should remain) with you and the other immortals. So he has said that it will be thus arranged: and he has nodded his head (in agreement). But come, my child, and obey, and do not be so unceasingly angry with the dark-clouded son of Cronos. But let flourish forthwith the fruit which gives life to mankind."
So she (i.e. Rhea) spoke: and the well-crowned Demeter did not disobey (her): but straightway she made the fruit to spring up from the very fertile corn-lands; and the whole wide earth was laden with leaves and flowers. And she went to the justice-dealing kings, and showed Triptolemus, and horse-driving Diocles, and doughty Eumolpus, and Celeus, leader of the people, the conduct of her sacred rites, and she also taught her mysteries to all (of them), to Triptolemus and to Polyxeinus, and to Diocles (also), awful (mysteries), which no one way may in any way transgress, or pry into, or utter: for a certain deep awe of the gods checks one's voice. But (he) who (is) uninitiated into these sacred rites, and who has no part (in them), never has a share in such (good) things when he is quite dead down in the murky darkness.
But, when the goddess of goddesses (i.e. Demeter) had taught (them) all, they set out to go to Olympus to the gathering of the other gods. And there they, awful and revered (goddesses), dwell beside Zeus, who delights in thunder; most blessed among men upon earth (is) the one whom they readily love: and forthwith they send Plutus (as) a guest to the great house, (he) who gives wealth to mortal men. But come now, holder of the land of fragrant Eleusis and seagirt Paros (i.e. a town on the coast of Cyprus) and rocky Antron (i.e. a town in Thessaly), revered queen Deo, bestower of splendid gifts (and) bringer of the seasons, (be) gracious, you and your daughter, the most beautiful Persephone, and grant (me) a well-pleasing substance for my song. And now I shall remember you and another song also.
The Hymn to Demeter is the second in a collection of thirty-three anonymous ancient Greek hymns celebrating individual gods, mostly dating to the seventh century B.C., shortly after the works of Homer and Hesiod had first been written down, and they are therefore among the oldest monuments of Ancient Greek literature. In antiquity they were uncritically attributed to Homer, the earliest reference to them coming from Thucydides (see Bk III. 104). Although it is now clear they were not written by Homer, they were composed in the old epic style, i.e. in dactylic hexameters and in a dialect closely resembling that of Homer. Most of them are very short, if not fragmentary, but four of them, i.e. hymns 2-5, are more lengthy: (2) to Demeter 495 lines; (3) to Apollo 546 lines; (4) to Hermes 580 lines; and (5) to Aphrodite 293 lines.
The Hymn to Demeter is one of the main sources for the legend of the rape of Persephone (Proserpina in Latin) by her uncle Hades, who, with the encouragement of his brother Zeus, who was also Persephone's father, took her down with him to the Underworld, where he installed her as his queen. Persephone's mother Demeter (Ceres in Latin), the Goddess of the Crops, looks for her desperately, and, when she finds out what has happened, is so angered by her daughter's fate that she stops the crops growing. As a result human-beings starve, and the gods are denied their much valued sacrificial rights. At Zeus' request, Hades allows Persephone to return to the arms of her mother in the world above, but, because he has tricked her into eating a morsel - a pomegranate seed - , Persephone's reinstatement to the world cannot be total. Zeus, however, arranges for her to spend a third of the year, i.e. the winter months, with Hades in the Underworld, and the other two-thirds of the year with her mother and the other gods on Mount Olympus, and he then prevails upon their mother Rhea to persuade Demeter to accept this compromise solution. Calm is then restored to the world of the immortals, and the crops are allowed to grow again, much to the relief of all. This entertaining legend provided the ancients with a mythical explanation of the seasons, and was also the foundation of the Eleusinian mysteries, sacred to Demeter, which were so greatly valued by the inhabitants of Athens, and many others in antiquity, including the Emperor Hadrian.
The text for this translation is taken from "Homeric Hymns", edited by Hugh G. Evelyn-White, Harvard University Press, published by William Heinemann, London (1914), and is available on the 'Perseus' website, sponsored by the Classics Department of Tufts University.
Ll. 1-39. Hades carries off Persephone with the connivance of Zeus.
I begin to sing of that revered goddess, fair-haired Demeter, and of her daughter with the long tapered ankles (i.e. Persephone), whom Aidoneus (i.e. Hades) carried off, and (whom) the far-seeing and loud-thundering Zeus had given him. Separated from Demeter, with her sword of gold and the bearer of beautiful fruits, she was playing with the deep-bosomed daughters of Oceanus and gathering flowers from a soft grassy meadow: roses, and crocuses, and beautiful violets, and irises, and hyacinths, and the narcissus which, at the will of Zeus, the Earth brought forth (as) a marvellous gleaming snare for the blushing maiden to please the Host of Many (i.e. Hades): indeed, (it was) a thing of awe for all the deathless gods and mortal men to see: and from its root there grew a hundred heads: its odour smelled most sweetly, and all the wide heaven above, and the whole earth, and the sea's salt swell laughed (for joy). And then the (maiden) was amazed and reached out with both her hands together to take the lovely toy; but the wide-pathed earth gaped open (there) in the plain of Nysa, and the All-Receiving king, the many named son of Cronos, with his immortal horses (i.e. Hades), sprang upon her.
And he caught (her) up and, against her will, he bore her off, lamenting: then, she cried out in a shrill voice, calling upon her father, the most high and most excellent son of Cronos (i.e. Zeus). But no one among the immortals or among mortal men heard her voice, nor (did) the rich fruit-bearing olive-trees, but only the bright head-banded Hecate, the tender-hearted daughter of Perses, from her cave, and the lord Helios (i.e. the Sun), Hyperion's brilliant son, heard the maiden as she called upon her father, Cronos' son (i.e. Zeus): but he was sitting some distance apart from the gods in his temple where many people pray, receiving sweet offerings from mortal men. Then, at the bidding of Zeus, her father's brother, the much-named son of Cronus, the Ruler of Many (and) Host of Many (i.e. Hades), bore her off against her will by means of his immortal horses.
And so, as long as she, the goddess (i.e. Persephone), beheld the earth and the starry heavens and the strongly-flowing sea full of fish and the rays of the sun, and still hoped to see her dear mother and the tribes of the eternal gods, so long does hope dispel her great heart of all its anxiety: and the tops of the mountains and the depths of the ocean echoed with her immortal voice: and her queenly mother heard her.
Ll. 40-86. Assisted by Hecate in her search for her daughter, Demeter meets Helios, who tells her how Hades has seized Persephone and taken her down into the Underworld.
A sharp pain took hold of her heart, and she (i.e. Demeter) rent asunder the veil around her divine hair, and cast down the dark cloak from both her shoulders, and sped like a large bird over land and sea in search (of prey): but no one, either among the gods or among mortal men, would tell her the truth, nor did any bird come to her (as) a messenger of the truth. Then, for nine days, queenly Deo (i.e. Demeter) wandered here and there across the earth, holding flaming pine-torches in her hands, and, in her grief, she never tasted any ambrosia or sweet nectar, nor did she sprinkle her body with bathing water. But then, when the tenth light-bringing dawn had come upon her, Hecate, holding a torch in her hands, met her, and then, bringing the news to her, she spoke the following words: "Queenly Demeter, bringer of the seasons, (and) bestower of splendid gifts, what heavenly god or mortal man has carried off Persephone, and caused your dear heart such grief? For I heard her voice, yet I did not see with my eyes who it was: but I shall quickly tell you everything that is true."
So Hecate spoke thus: and the daughter of fair-haired Rhea (i.e. Demeter) did not answer her in words, but sped away swiftly with her, holding flaming pine-torches in her hands. Then, they came to Helios, watchman of the gods and of men as well, and they stood in front of his carriage, and the goddess among goddesses inquired of (him): "Helios, may you have pity on me, goddess as I am, if I have ever melted your heart and soul by word or deed: through the barren air I have heard that shrill voice of the daughter whom I bore, that sweet child in lovely form, like one who has been violently seized, and yet I saw nothing with my eyes. But you, for with your beams you look down upon the whole earth and over the sea from the heavenly ether, must tell me truly of my beloved child, if you have seen her anywhere, what god, or mortal man even, has taken (her) by force (and) against her will, and is gone off (with her)."
So she spoke, and the son of Hyperion (i.e. Helios) answered in these words: "Queen Demeter, daughter of fair-haired Rhea, you will learn the truth: for I greatly revere you, and pity (you) greatly in your grief concerning your daughter with the long tapered ankles: no one else among the gods (is) to blame but cloud-gathering Zeus, who gave her to his own brother Hades to be called his buxom wife: and he seized (her) in his chariot and drove (her) crying loudly down into his murky land of darkness. But, goddess, do cease your loud wailing: you must not keep such fruitless terrible anger: Aidoneus (i.e. Hades), the Ruler of Many, (is) not an unfitting son-in-law for you among the immortals, (being) your own brother and sprung from the same stock (as you): and, with regard to honour, he happened to receive the third share, when the lots were taken at the beginning, and he was assigned to be king of those among whom he dwells."
Ll. 87-117. Saddened and angry, Demeter abandons meetings with the gods on Mount Olympus, and, disguised as an old woman, she sits down by a well near Eleusis, where she is questioned by the daughters of Celeus.
Speaking thus, he called to his horses: and, at his chiding, they pulled his nimble chariot swiftly along like long-winged birds. But grief, more terrible and more uncontrollable came into her heart: then, she was so angry with the cloud-wrapt son of Cronos (i.e. Zeus) that she forsook the assembly of the gods and high Olympus, and went to the cities and the rich fields of men, (while) softening her appearance for some time: and no one among the men and the low-girt women recognised (her) when they looked at (her), until the time when she came to the house of wise Celeus, who was then the lord of fragrant Eleusis. Saddened in her heart, she sat down by the roadside, by the Maiden well from which the citizens drew (water), in a shady (place), but above which there grew an olive-grove. (She looked) like an old woman, who is prohibited from child-bearing and (receiving) the gifts of garland-loving Aphrodite, like those who are the nurses of the children of justice-dealing kings and the housekeepers of their echoing halls. There the daughters of Celeus, son of Eleusis, saw her as she was coming for easy-drawn water in order to carry (it) in copper pitchers to their father's house; there were four (of them), like goddesses in the flower of their youth, Callidice, and Cleisidice, and lovely Demo, and Callithoë, who was the eldest of them all: they did not recognise (her): for the gods are discerned by mortals with difficulty. But standing near (her), they spoke winged words: "Who, and from where, are you, old lady? (Do you come) from people born long ago? Why then have you gone far away from the city, and not draw near to the houses? There in the shadowy halls (there are) women of just such an age as you, and there are some who were born younger (than you) who would certainly welcome you, both by word and by deed also."
Ll. 118-144. Demeter tells the daughters of Celeus that she has arrived in Eleusis as a fugitive, having escaped from a gang of pirates, who had enslaved her. She asks for their help in finding a suitable household where she could work.
Thus they said: and she, that queen among goddesses answered (them) with these words: "Dear children, whoever you are among the gender of women, greetings! I shall tell you my (story): (it is) not unseemly that I should tell you what you ask. My name is Doso: for my queenly mother gave it (to me). Now, indeed, I have come from Crete over the sea's wide back, not willingly, but pirates carried (me here) against my will by brute force. Then, they brought their swift ship into land at Thoricus, (and) there the women disembarked on the shore in a throng, and began to prepare supper beside the stern of the ship: but my heart did not crave a delicious meal, and by stealth I rushed off across the dark countryside in flight from my overbearing masters, so that they should not carry me, unbought, across the seas, in order to benefit from my purchase price. And so I came here in my wanderings, not knowing at all what land this is, and who are its inhabitants. But may all those who have dwellings on (Mount) Olympus give you men (as) husbands and children to be born (to you), as parents desire: and, then, have pity on me, maidens, and advise me clearly about this, so that I may learn, to the house of what husband and wife I may gladly go, dear children, so that I may willingly perform for them such tasks as an elderly woman can undertake: I could certainly well nurse a new-born child, holding (it) in my arms, and take care of the house and spread out my master's bed in a corner of his well-built bedchamber, and I could certainly teach women their tasks."
Ll. 145-183. At her daughters' suggestion, Metaneira agrees that the disguised goddess should come to work in her household.
Thus spoke the goddess: and straightway the unwedded maiden Callidice, the best-looking of Celeus' daughters, answered her: "Good mother, we mortals suffer the gifts of the gods, and of necessity we grieve very much: for they are much stronger (than we are). But (now) I shall tell you clearly about all these (things), and name those men who have great power and honour here, and are chief among our people, and the diadems of our city are held (by them) in honour of their (good) counsels and upright judgments. With regard to discreet Triptolemus, and Diocles, and Polyxeinus, and noble Eumolpus, and Dolichus, and our heroic father, the wives of all of them manage in their house: not one of them would dishonour your figure at first sight and turn you from the house, but they will welcome you: for, indeed, you are godlike. But if you are willing, stay here, so that we can go to our father's house and tell our deep-bosomed mother, Metaneira, everything in full, so that she may bid you come to our (house) and not the houses of the others. Her only son, our brother, late-born, (but) much-desired and welcome, is being reared in our well-constructed house. If you could bring him up and he could reach a measure of youth, anyone of the female gender who saw (you) would certainly wish to emulate you: such (gifts) would she give you for bringing him up!"
So she spoke, and the (goddess) nodded her head (in assent): and they filled their shining vessels with water, and carried (them) off rejoicing. Quickly they came to their father's great house, and immediately told their mother just what they had seen and heard. Then she told (them) to go very quickly and summon (her to come) for a boundless hire-fee. As hinds or heifers may bound around a meadow in spring time, their stomachs sated with pasture, so they, holding the folds of their lovely garments, darted down the hollow pathway: and their hair bounced around their shoulders like a crocus flower. Then, they found the noble goddess near the roadside where they had left (her) just before: so then they led (her) to their father's house: and then she, distressed in her heart, walked behind (them) with her head veiled: and a dark shawl wound itself around the goddess's slender feet.
Ll. 184-211. Demeter enters the house of Celeus, and, despite some initial difficulties, she accepts Metaneira's hospitality.
Soon, they came to the house of Celeus, cherished by Zeus, and they went through a portico, where their queenly mother was sitting beside a pillar of the thickly fitted roof, holding her son, her young scion (i.e. Demophoön), to her bosom; and they ran to her, but the (goddess) walked to the threshold, and her hair reached the roof and she filled the entrance with a heavenly radiance. Then, awe and reverence, and pale fear, took hold of her (i.e. Metaneira): and she gave up her couch and bade (her) be seated. But Demeter, the bringer of seasons, (and) the bestower of splendid gifts, would not sit down upon the gleaming couch, but stayed silent with her lovely eyes cast down, until (the moment) when the trusty (and) knowing Iambe (i.e. the witty but lame girl who was also a daughter of Celeus) placed a fixed seat for her, and threw a silver fleece over the top of (it). Sitting down there, she (i.e. Demeter) held her veil in her hands; she sat upon the stool for a long time without speaking due to her sorrow, and greeted no one either by word or deed, but lingered (there), never smiling (and) abstaining from food and drink, as she pined away with longing for her deep-bosomed daughter (i.e. Persephone), until the trusty and knowing Iambe, entertaining her with jokes, moved the holy queen to smile and laugh and be of a cheerful heart; then, indeed, she pleased her by her humour afterwards also. Then, Metaneira filled a goblet with sweet wine and offered (it) to her; but she refused (it): for she said that (it was) not permissible (for her) to drink red wine: and then she bade them mix barley-meal and water with soft mint and give (it to her) to drink. Then, she (i.e. Metaneira) prepared the potion and offered (it) to the goddess, as she had been instructed: then the great queen Deo (i.e. Demeter) received it in order to observe the sacrament (N.B. the drinking of this potion was central to the initiation ceremony of the Eleusinian mysteries and was the basis of communion with Demeter).
Ll. 212-247. Demeter is asked by Metaneira to become the nurse of her newly-born son, Demophoön. This Demeter gladly agrees to do, and under her care the boy grows up looking like a god, until Metaneira discovers that Demeter is placing him in the fire at night.
Then, the well-girded Metaneira began to speak the following (words): "Hail, lady, for I do not think that you come from poor parents, but from noble (ones): dignity and grace are conspicuous in your eyes just as they would also be (in the eyes) of kings who administer justice. Yet we mortals have, of necessity, to endure the gifts of the gods, grieved though we be: for a yoke is put upon our necks. But now, since you have come here, you shall have whatever I (can give you). And raise for me this child, whom the immortals sent late-born and unexpected, yet (who) is much desired by me. If you should bring him up and he should reach a measure of youth, anyone of the female gender would certainly envy (you): such great (rewards) would I give you for bringing him up!"
Then, well-girded Demeter answered her once more: "You also, lady, all hail! And may the gods give you good (fortune): gladly will I take your son to (my breast), as you are urging me (to do); I shall nurse him, and neither, I trust, through any folly of his nurse, shall witchcraft hurt him, nor the Undercutter (i.e. a worm supposed to cause teething pains): for I know a remedy much stronger than the Woodcutter (i.e. a charm intended to address teething pains), and I know an excellent safeguard against witchcraft."
Then, when she had so spoken, she took (the child) in her fragrant bosom with her immortal hands; and his mother was glad in her heart. So, the (goddess) nursed in the palace Demophoön, wise Celeus' splendid son, whom the well-girded Metaneira had brought into the world; and he grew like a god, and thus not eating food or sucking his mother's milk. For each day the beautifully-crowned Demeter would anoint (him) with ambrosia as if he were born of a god, as she breathed sweetly upon (him) and held (him) in her bosom; but at night she would hold (him) in the heart of the fire like a brand, without his parents' knowledge: it was a source of great wonder to them that he became so precocious; for face to face he looked like a god. And she would have made him ageless and immortal, if the well-girded Metaneira had not kept watch by night from her sweet-smelling bed-chamber, and spied (on them); and she wailed and smote both of her thighs (in terror), fearing for her son and greatly distraught in her heart, and so she lamented and uttered these winged words:
Ll. 248-291. Metaneira's anxiety about Demeter's treatment of Demophoön causes the goddess to become very angry.
"Demophoön, my child, this strange (woman) is burying you deep in the fire, and is causing me grief and bitter sorrow."
Thus she spoke in a mournful voice: and the goddess among goddesses heard her. Then, the beautifully crowned Demeter was (so) provoked by her that she snatched her son, to whom she had unexpectedly given birth in the palace, from the fire with her immortal hands and cast (him) from her to the ground, so terribly angry (was she) in her heart. So then, she addressed the well-girded Metaneira at the same time: "Unprepared and witless (are you) mortals to foresee your appointed lot, whether for good or for bad: for now in your folly you (have wrought) damage beyond healing. For may the relentless waters of the Styx bear witness to an oath of the gods, I would have made your beloved son deathless and ageless all his days, and (upon him) I would have bestowed imperishable honour: but now he cannot, by any means, escape death and destruction; yet unfailing honour will always be upon (him), for the reason that he lay upon my knees and slept in my folded arms. But then, as the years revolve around him in their seasons, the sons of the Eleusinians shall ever wage war and dread battle with one another constantly. Yet, I am that esteemed Demeter, who is the greatest source of support and joy to immortals and mortals (alike). But come, let all the people build me a great temple and an altar below it beneath the city, and a high wall upon a rising hillock above Callichorus. Then, I myself will lay down my rites, so that hereafter you may perform them perfectly and appease my heart."
When she had thus spoken, the goddess changed her stature and her looks, thrusting old age away from (her): beauty spread both around and about her, and a lovely smell was wafted from her fragrant robes, and a lustrous light from her immortal body shone afar, and her golden tresses lay upon her shoulders, and as a result that compact house was filled with sunlight (and) lightning; and she went right through the palace. And straightway her (i.e. Metaneira's) knees were loosened, and she became speechless for a long while, and she completely forgot to pick up her darling child from the floor. But his sisters gave heed to his pitiable voice, and so leapt down from their well-spread beds ; then one of them took up the child with her hands and laid him on her bosom, while another one kindled the fire, and a third rushed on her tender feet to arouse their mother from her fragrant bed-chamber. And they gathered together around him, and washed (him) as he struggled, and embraced (him) lovingly: but his spirit was not comforted: for now less skilful feeders and nurses were handling him.
Ll. 292-345. In her fury, Demeter causes a famine across the earth, and Zeus sends divine messengers to her to seek to persuade her to desist.
All night long they tried to appease the glorious goddess, as they quaked with fear, but, as soon as dawn began to appear, they told the wide-ruling Celeus the truth, just as the goddess, the beautifully-crowned Demeter, commanded. So he called his numerous people to an assembly, and bade (them) construct a goodly temple to fair-haired Demeter and an altar upon the rising hillock. And they applied themselves with all speed, and they hearkened to his words and did as he commanded. And the (child) (i.e. Demophoön) grew like a divine being.
Now, when they had completed (their work) and ceased from their toil, they went, each (man) going to his own house: but golden-haired Demeter sat there apart from all the blessed (gods), and stayed pining with longing for her deep-bosomed daughter. Then, she caused a most terrible and most shameless year for mankind over the much-nourishing earth: the ground would not allow any seed to sprout, for the richly crowned Demeter kept (it) hidden; and in the corn-fields the oxen drew many a curved plough in vain; and much white barley fell upon the earth to no purpose; and so she would have totally destroyed the race of articulate speaking man by a grievous famine, and have deprived those who have their dwellings on (Mount) Olympus of the glorious honour of their offerings and sacrifices, if Zeus had not perceived and pondered (these things) in his heart. Firstly, he aroused golden-winged Iris to call upon fair-haired Demeter, the possessor of such a lovely form. Thus he spoke: and she obeyed Zeus, the dark-clouded son of Cronos, and she ran swiftly on her feet across the space between (heaven and earth). Then, she came to the citadel of fragrant Eleusis, and found dark-veiled Demeter in her temple, and, addressing her, she uttered these winged words: "Demeter, father Zeus, whose knowledge is infinite, calls you to come and join with the tribes of the immortal gods. Come now, and may not this word I bring from Zeus be in vain."
Thus she spoke, entreating (her): but her heart was not persuaded. Then again the father (i.e. Zeus) sent out all the blessed and eternal gods one after another: and they came in succession, and they kept on calling (her) and giving (her) many very beautiful gifts and such honours as she might wish to choose among the immortal (gods). But no one was able to win over her mind and will, (so) angry (was she) in her heart: and she firmly rejected their advice. For she affirmed that she would never set foot upon fragrant Olympus or let fruit spring from the earth, until she saw her fair-faced daughter with her own eyes. Now, when the far-seeing and loud-thundering Zeus heard this, he sent the Slayer of Argus (i.e. Hermes) with his golden wand to Erebus (i.e. the Underworld), so that, having won over Hades with soft words, he might lead forth the pure Persephone from the murky darkness to join the divine beings, and so that her mother, having seen her with her own eyes, might renounce her anger. And Hermes did not disobey, but straightway rushed speedily downwards to the depths of the earth, leaving his abode on Olympus. And he found that the king (i.e. Hades) was within his house, seated on a couch together with his tender wife, unwilling (though she was), through yearning for her mother: but she (i.e. Demeter) was far away pursuing her dread design, through the deeds of the blessed gods.
Ll. 346-397. At Zeus' bidding, Hades agrees to send Persephone back to be reunited with her mother in the world above.
Then, the mighty Slayer of Argus stood near and said: "Dark-haired Hades, lord of those who have departed, father Zeus bids me bring noble Persephone forth from Erebus to join them, so that her mother, having seen her with her own eyes, may renounce her anger and dread wrath with the immortals: for now she plans an awful deed, to destroy the feeble tribes of earth-born men (by) keeping seeds hidden beneath the earth, and to bring an end to the honours of the immortals: and she maintains her dread anger and does not mingle with the gods, but sits aloof in her fragrant temple, (while) dwelling in the rocky citadel of Eleusis."
So he said, and Aidoneus (i.e. Hades), the lord of those beneath the earth, smiled grimly, and did not disobey the behest of Zeus the king: and he vehemently urged the thoughtful Persephone (as follows):
"Go, Persephone, to your dark-veiled mother, but keep a kind spirit and heart in your breast, and do not be so very melancholy far beyond all others: I shall not be an unseemly husband for you among the immortal (gods), (as I am) an own brother to your father Zeus: and, while you are here, you shall rule all those that live and move, and you shall have the greatest honours among those immortals. And for those who have wronged (you), those who may not appease your power, (by) performing pure rites (in your name) and paying (you) fit gifts, there will be punishment (i.e. delivered by the Furies) for the rest of their lives."
So he spoke, and the very thoughtful Persephone rejoiced, and hastily sprang up in her delight: but he on his part stealthily gave (her) sweet pomegranate seed to eat, arranging matters with regard to himself, so that she might not remain there continually with the august dark-veiled Demeter. Then, Aidoneus, the Ruler of Many, decked out his deathless horses at the front of his golden chariot. And she mounted the chariot, and beside (her), the mighty Slayer of Argus, took the reins and whip in his own hands, and drove out from the palace: and unconstrained they flew. Swiftly they came to the end of their long course: and neither the sea, nor river-waters, nor grassy glens, nor mountain-tops checked the career of the immortal horses, but they clove the deep air above them as they went. And, bringing them (to the place) where the well-crowned Demeter was staying, he halted (them) before her fragrant temple: and when she saw (them), she rushed forward, just as a Maenad (i.e. a Bacchanal) (does) down a mountain thick with woods. And on the other side, when Persephone saw her mother's beautiful eyes, she left the chariot and horses, and leapt down to run (to her), and fell upon her neck and embraced (her). But, (while) she was still holding her dear child in her arms, her heart suddenly sensed some snare, and so she trembled with a terrible fear and, ceasing her display of affection, she immediately asked (her) this question: "My child, surely you have not eaten any food while you were below? Speak out, (and) do not conceal (anything), so that we may both know: for, if that is the case, you may live apart from the loathsome Hades, and dwell with me and your father, the black-clouded son of Cronos (i.e. Zeus), and be honoured by all the immortal (gods).
Ll. 398-448. Persephone tells her mother how Hades, with Zeus' encouragement, had carried her down to the Underworld, and it becomes clear that she must now spend a third of the year there as Hades' queen.
"But, if you have eaten (any food), you must go back beneath the depths of the earth, and dwell (there) for a third part of the seasons every year, but for the (other) two (parts of the year), (you shall be) with me and the other immortals. But, when the earth shall bloom with every kind of spring's fragrant flowers, then you will come up once more from the murky darkness (as) a great (source of) wonder for gods and mortal men. And now tell (me) how the strong Host of Many (i.e. Hades) carried you off down into the murky darkness, and by what trick did he (manage to) deceive you?"
Then, the very beautiful Persephone answered her in reply: "Well then, mother, I shall tell you the whole truth: when Hermes the luck-bringer came, the swift messenger of my father, the son of Cronos, and the other heavenly ones, (bidding) me come back from Erebus, so that, having seen (me) with your own eyes, you might cease your anger and dreadful wrath against the immortals, I sprang up at once for joy: but he secretly put a pomegranate seed, honey-sweet food (that it is), in my (mouth), and forced me to eat (it) against my will. And I shall tell how, having snatched me up, he rushed off in accordance with the shrewd design of my father, the son of Cronos, and carried (me) off beneath the depths of the earth, and I shall relate the whole (story) just as you ask. We were all (i.e. Persephone was playing with the Oceanids, or the daughters of Oceanus, who are here listed) playing in a very lovely meadow, Leucippe and Phaeno, and Electra and Ianthe, and Melita and Iache, and Rhodea and Callirhoë, and Melobosis and Tyche, and Ocyrhoë with her sweet countenance, and Chryseïs and Ianeira, and Acaste and Admete, and Rhodope and Pluto, and charming Calypso, and Styx and Urania, and lovely Galaxaura, and Pallas, aroused by battles, and Artemis, the shooter of arrows, and we were gathering sweet flowers in profusion in our hands, both soft crocuses, and irises, and hyacinths, and rose-buds, and lilies, marvellous to see, and the narcissus, which the wide earth made to grow just like a crocus. Indeed, I plucked (it) in my joy: but the earth parted from below, and from there sprang forth the strong lord, the Host of Many, and, bearing (me) in his golden chariot much against my will, he went down beneath the earth; and then I cried out in a shrill voice. All this (is) indeed true, yet it grieves (me) to tell (it)."
So then, having a united spirit all day long, they greatly cheered one another's heart and soul, and shared embraces: and their hearts ceased sorrowing. And they received joys from one another, and gave (them). Then, Hecate with her bright-coloured head-band came near to them: and often did she lovingly embrace the chaste daughter of Demeter: from that (time) the lady became her attendant and companion. Then, far-seeing and loud-thundering Zeus sent them rich-haired Rhea (as) a messenger to bring dark-veiled Demeter to join the company of the gods, and he promised to give (her) whatever honours she should choose among the immortal gods. And he agreed that her daughter (should go) down to the murky darkness for the third part of the revolving year, but that, for the (other) two (parts, she should remain) with her mother and the other immortals. Thus he spoke: nor did the goddess (i.e. Rhea) disobey the commandments of Zeus.
Ll. 448-495.
Swiftly, she rushed down from the peaks of Olympus, and then she came to (the field of) Rarus (i.e. the place, sacred to Demeter, where tillage was first practised), (which was) once the most fertile and fruitful corn-land, but then, not fruitful at all, it was lying idle and utterly leafless: and so the white barley was being kept hidden by the design of Demeter with the beautiful ankles: but then, as spring waxed, it was soon destined to be decked with long ears of corn, and its rich furrows to be laden with ears of corn (lying) on the ground, and the (rest) to be bound in the bands of corn-sheaves. There she landed, the very first (being) from the barren ether: and they saw each other with gladness, and were cheered in their hearts. Then, Rhea with the bright head-band addressed her (i.e. Demeter) thus: "(Come) hither, my daughter, (for) the far-seeing (and) loud-thundering Zeus is calling you to go to join the company of the gods, and he has promised to give (you) whatever honours you may wish for among the immortal gods. And he has agreed that your daughter (should go) down to the murky darkness for the third part of the revolving year, but that for the (other) two (parts she should remain) with you and the other immortals. So he has said that it will be thus arranged: and he has nodded his head (in agreement). But come, my child, and obey, and do not be so unceasingly angry with the dark-clouded son of Cronos. But let flourish forthwith the fruit which gives life to mankind."
So she (i.e. Rhea) spoke: and the well-crowned Demeter did not disobey (her): but straightway she made the fruit to spring up from the very fertile corn-lands; and the whole wide earth was laden with leaves and flowers. And she went to the justice-dealing kings, and showed Triptolemus, and horse-driving Diocles, and doughty Eumolpus, and Celeus, leader of the people, the conduct of her sacred rites, and she also taught her mysteries to all (of them), to Triptolemus and to Polyxeinus, and to Diocles (also), awful (mysteries), which no one way may in any way transgress, or pry into, or utter: for a certain deep awe of the gods checks one's voice. But (he) who (is) uninitiated into these sacred rites, and who has no part (in them), never has a share in such (good) things when he is quite dead down in the murky darkness.
But, when the goddess of goddesses (i.e. Demeter) had taught (them) all, they set out to go to Olympus to the gathering of the other gods. And there they, awful and revered (goddesses), dwell beside Zeus, who delights in thunder; most blessed among men upon earth (is) the one whom they readily love: and forthwith they send Plutus (as) a guest to the great house, (he) who gives wealth to mortal men. But come now, holder of the land of fragrant Eleusis and seagirt Paros (i.e. a town on the coast of Cyprus) and rocky Antron (i.e. a town in Thessaly), revered queen Deo, bestower of splendid gifts (and) bringer of the seasons, (be) gracious, you and your daughter, the most beautiful Persephone, and grant (me) a well-pleasing substance for my song. And now I shall remember you and another song also.
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