Demeter is the earth goddess who blesses all the phases of the harvest. She is an Olympian, and has two brothers: Zeus and Hades.

Persephone was gathering flowers in a meadow one day when a huge crack opened up in the earth and Hades, King of the Dead, emerged from the Underworld. He seized Persephone and carried her off in his chariot, back down to his realm below, where she became his queen. Demeter was heartbroken. Demeter, in a sick revenge, became a servant and nanny for the infant son of Keleos and his wife Metaneira. Demeter began stealing the boy's love and affection from his parents (just as her daughter had been stolen from her). But just before she could make him immortal, Metaneira recognized Demeter as the Goddess she was and stopped the ceremony.

She wandered the length and breadth of the earth in search of her daughter, during which time the crops withered and it became perpetual winter. Demeter then demanded that a temple should be built in her honour, and the nobles were glad to oblige. After this temple was completed, she retreated into the temple and brought a deadly turn on the mortals. There were no seeds sprouting, which would cause famine, and eventual destruction if she didn't lift her curse. All the immortals came and begged Demeter to give life back to earth, but she refused. She wanted her daughter back.

Zeus then sent Hermes to speak with Hades and Persephone. He worried that if all the mortals died no one would be left to worship him. Hermes suggested that Persephone be returned to her mother. Hades was filled with compassion, but he still wanted to keep his bride. He offered Persephone an irresistible honey-sweet seed as she left. By tasting this, she was eternally bound to Hades and his underworld.

Demeter was joyous when she saw her beloved daughter, but that faded fast when she found out Persephone must eventually return to Hades. Luckily, Persephone had only eaten two seeds, so two seasons out of the year she has to live in the underworld. When that occurs, Demeter casts a curse on the earth, making it cold, which creates Winter and Fall

When depicted in art, Demeter is often shown carrying a sheaf of grain.