2. HYMN TO DEMETER

I sing of the revered goddess, rich-haired Demeter,
and her slim-ankled daughter, whom Hades snatched
(far-seeing, thundering Zeus gave her away)
while she and Ocean’s deep-breasted daughters played,
far from golden blade Demeter, who bears shining fruit.
She picked lush meadow flowers: roses, crocuses,
lovely violets, irises, hyacinths—and a narcissus
Gaia grew as a lure for the blossoming girl,
following Zeus’ bidding, to please Lord of the Dead.
Everyone marveled at the bewitching sight,	10
immortal gods and mortal folk alike:
from its root blossomed a hundred sweetly
scented heads, and all wide heaven above,
all earth, and the salty swell of the sea laughed.
Amazed, she stretched out both hands to pick
the charming bloom—and a chasm opened
in the Nysian plain. Out sprang Lord of the Dead,
god of many names, on his immortal horses.
Snatching the unwilling girl, he carried her off
in his golden chariot, as she cried and screamed aloud	20
calling to her father, son of Kronos, highest and best.
None of the immortal gods or mortal folk
heard her cry, nor the Olives shining with fruit—
except the daughter of Perses, tender-hearted
Hekate, veiled in light, heard from her cave
and Lord Helios, Hyperion’s shining son,
heard the girl calling to her father, son of Kronos.
Zeus sat far away from the gods, in his temple echoing
with prayers, accepting rich offerings from mortals.
But her father’s brother, Kronos’ son of many names,	30
Lord of the Many Dead, stole the unwilling girl
away on his immortal horses, with a nod from Zeus.
While the goddess could still gaze at earth
and starry heaven, strong rush of the fish-abundant sea
and sun’s rays, she still hoped to see her dear mother
and the race of gods who live forever:
hope yet charmed her strong mind though she grieved.
The mountain peaks and the sea depths echoed
with her eternal cry, and her goddess mother heard her.
Sharp grief seized her heart; with both hands	40
she tore the veil from her ambrosial hair,
threw a black cloak across her shoulders
and sped like a bird over the nourishing land and sea,
searching: but none of the immortal gods
or mortal folk would tell her the truth,
nor did omen birds bring true messages.
Nine days Queen Deo wandered
the earth, blazing torches in her hands,
nor did she eat ambrosia or sip sweet nectar once
while grieving, or wash her skin clean.	50
When shining Dawn arose on the tenth day,
Hekate met her with torches in her own hands
and drew close, speaking these words:
“Queen Demeter, who brings seasons, bears shining fruit,
which one of the heavenly gods or mortal folk
seized Persephone and grieved your spirit?
I heard her cry, but with my own eyes did not see
who did it. I am telling you the whole truth.”
Hekate asked, but the daughter of rich-haired Rhea
did not wait to reply. Quickly she rushed away,	60
blazing torches in her hands, Hekate at her side.
They came to Helios, who watches gods and mortals,
and stood before his horses. The heavenly goddess said:
“Helios, respect me as a goddess, if ever before
with words or deeds I cheered your heart and soul.
The girl I bore, a sweet blossom, a joy to see,
I heard her screams through the barren air
as if she was taken by force, but I did not see her.
Yet you gaze through the bright air with your rays
over the whole wide earth and sea:	70
Tell me truly of my dear child, if you saw
who stole her away from me, against her will,
and is gone, what god or mortal man?”
She asked and Hyperion’s son answered back:
“Queen Demeter, daughter of rich-haired Rhea,
you will know: I do greatly respect you and pity
your grief over your slim-ankled child. No other
god arranged it but cloud-gathering Zeus,
who gave her to his own brother Hades to be called
his budding wife. He carried her off on his horses	80
into the misty darkness while she screamed aloud.
But, Goddess, give up your strong grief; let go
of your infinite anger. Hades is not an unsuitable
son-in-law among the gods: Lord of the Many Dead,
your own brother from the same seed. As for honor,
he won the third share when the division was made
and lives as king among those in his allotted land.”
After speaking, Helios called to his horses, who at his shout
bore the swift chariot quickly like long-winged birds.
But a grief more dread and more bitter came over her.	90
Then, furious at Zeus who darkens clouds,
she withdrew from the assembly of gods and high Olympos
and wandered the cities and rich fields of humans,
disguising her form for a long time. Nor did any man
or woman recognize her when they looked,
until she came to the house of thoughtful Keleos,
who then was ruler of incense-offering Eleusis.
She sat near the road, her heart sorrowing,
by Maiden Well where townswomen drew water,
an olive tree spreading shade above her;	100
she looked like an old woman born long ago,
without a child or gifts of garland-loving Aphrodite,
like a nurse for the children of a righteous king
or a housekeeper in a king’s echoing palace.
The daughters of Keleos, son of Eleusinos, saw her
as they came to draw the well water and bring it
in bronze pitchers to their father’s house.
Like four goddesses, they bloomed with youth:
Kallidike, Kleisidike, lovely Demo,
and Kallithoe, eldest of them all.	110
They did not know her, for mortals have trouble seeing gods.
Flocking near her, their words flew out swiftly:
“Who are you and from where, old woman of elder folk?
Why do you stay far from the city and not draw near
the homes? There are women in the shady halls
the same age as you and those younger
who would treat you well both in word and deed.”
They asked her, and the queenly goddess answered:
“Dear children, whoever you are of womankind,
greetings. Since you ask, I will tell you my tale;	120
it is right to tell you the truth:
Doso is my name, given by my lady mother.
I came from Crete upon the sea’s wide back,
not wanting to, but forced against my will,
stolen away by pirates. When they landed
their swift ship at Thorikos, the women
set foot on land all together, and the pirates
prepared dinner beside the ship’s stern cables.
But my spirit longed for no pleasant meal.
Secretly hurrying through the darkened land	130
I fled my arrogant leaders, so they could not sell me,
an unbought slave, and enjoy my purchase price.
After wandering so, I came here, not knowing at all
what land this is or who lives here.
Yet may all those in Olympian homes
grant you true husbands and childbearing
as your parents wish: now pity me, girls,
[missing line]
dear children, tell me what man and wife’s house
I might go to, and so work for them gladly
at whatever tasks an old woman can do:	140
I could nurse a newborn babe in my arms
quite well, guard the house and make up
the master’s bed within his well-built room,
and guide the women in all their work.”
So the goddess said. Quickly the unwed girl,
Kallidike, Keleos’ most beautiful daughter, replied:
“Good mother, the gods’ gifts and griefs by necessity
we humans must endure—gods are much more powerful.
I will tell you everything clearly and name
the men who have great strength of honor here;	150
they are preeminent among the people and protect
the city walls with counsels and straight judgments.
They are wise Triptolemos, Diokles,
Polyxeinos, excellent Eumolpos,
Dolikhos, and our own heroic father—
wives of them all manage the houses.
Not a one of them would scorn your bearing
at first glance, or keep you from their house,
no: they will welcome you—you are godlike.
Please wait while we go to our father’s house	160
so we may ask our mother Metaneira
all of this straight through: she might urge you
to come to our house and not seek another.
Her only son is nursed within the well-built halls,
a son born late, prayed for, much cherished.
If you would rear him until he reaches a measure
of youth, any woman seeing you would envy you,
so high a reward would our mother give.”
She urged and the goddess nodded her head.
Then they proudly carried the bright jars filled with water.	170
Flying to their father’s great house, they quickly told
their mother just what they saw and heard. Right away,
she bid them offer the woman a boundless wage.
Like deer or young heifers in spring’s season
leaping through the meadow, sated with grazing,
holding up the folds of their flowing robes,
they darted down the hollow wagon trail, their hair
shimmering over their shoulders like crocus in bloom.
They came to the glorious goddess waiting
near the road and led her to their father’s house.	180
Demeter followed after, her heart sorrowing,
her head veiled. A dark-blue robe
trembled around the goddess’s slender feet.
Quickly they came to the house of highborn Keleos.
They walked across the porch to where their mother
sat by a column that supported the strong roof,
holding her child, her new sprout, to her breast. They ran
to her, but the goddess set foot on the threshold, her head
touching the rafter, the doorway filled with divine light.
Awe, reverence, and damp fear seized Metaneira.	190
Rising, she offered the goddess her royal seat.
But Demeter, who brings seasons, bears shining fruit,
did not wish to sit upon the radiant throne—
she waited silently, her lovely eyes cast down,
until careful, wise Iambe set up a stool
and cast over it a silvery fleece.
Then the goddess sat, holding her veil before her.
For a long time, grieving silently, she sat on the stool,
greeting no one with word or gesture,
not laughing, not tasting food or drink.	200
She sat, wasting with longing for her daughter,
until wise, careful Iambe jested with her.
With a slew of jokes, Iambe made the divine lady
smile, laugh, and keep a gracious mood—
Iambe who in later times also pleased her spirit.
Metaneira gave her a cup of honey-sweet wine,
but she shook her head, saying it was not right
for her to drink red wine; Demeter bid her offer
a drink of barley and water mixed with tender mint.
She gave the kukeōn drink to the goddess as ordered:	210
Queen Deo received it for the sake of her rite.
Metaneira, richly girded, spoke first:
“Greetings, Lady—since I expect you are not lowborn,
but noble. Your eyes reflect the dignity
and the grace of kings who rule with justice.
But the gods’ gifts and griefs we humans by necessity
must endure, for the yoke lies on our neck.
Since you have come here, what is mine will be at hand.
Nurse this child for me, whom the gods bestowed
late born and unexpected; he is my dearest desire.	220
If you would rear him until he reaches a measure
of youth, any woman seeing you would envy you,
so high a reward would I give you.”
Demeter, richly crowned, replied to her:
“Greetings to you too, lady, and may the gods bless you.
Your son I will gladly embrace as you urge me;
I will rear him, and not, I expect, as a negligent nurse,
nor will spells attack him or herb potions.
For I know a stronger charm than the herb cutter;
I know a good safeguard from painful spells.”	230
Speaking briefly, she gathered him to her fragrant breast
with her immortal hands. And the mother rejoiced.
Then the shining son of thoughtful Keleos,
Demophon, whom richly girded Metaneira bore,
she nursed in the great halls. He grew like a god,
not eating grain, nor sucking [mother’s milk].
[By day, Demeter] anointed him with ambrosia as if god-born,
breathing sweetly on him, holding him to her breast.
By night she buried him in the fire’s might like a brand,
in secret from his own parents. They were amazed	240
how fast he sprouted up; he was like the gods.
She would have made him unaging and immortal
had not his mother, richly girded Metaneira, foolishly
kept watch all night from her fragrant room,
spying. She shrieked and struck her thighs,
fearing for her son, pain searing her mind.
And in her grief words flew out swiftly:
“My baby Demophon, the stranger buries you deep
in the fire, leaving me with grief and bitterness.”
She called out weeping and the heavenly goddess heard.	250
Furious at her, Demeter, crowned with grace,
with immortal hands snatched from the fire
the dear child, born to the royal house unexpected,
and set him down on the floor. Her mind raging terribly,
she chided richly girded Metaneira:
“Ignorant mortals, you have no sense to foresee
destiny approaching whether good or bad.
You in your foolishness have been incurably harmed.
Let the gods’ oath, the Styx’s cruel water, witness:
I would have made your dear child immortal	260
and unaging forever and granted him undying honor.
Now he cannot escape death or the death spirits.
But undying honor will always be his
because he lay on my knees and slept in my arms.
In time, as the anniversary of this day returns,
the sons of Eleusis will wage war and dread battle
against one another each year on that day.
I am honored Demeter, the greatest source
of aid and joy for mortals and immortals.
Come, have all the people build me	270
a great temple with an altar below the city’s
steep walls, on the rising hill above Kallikhoron.
I myself will lay out the rites so that hereafter
you may appease my spirit by acting lawfully.”
As she spoke, the goddess’s form and stature changed,
sloughing off old age, and all around breathed beauty:
a bewitching scent emanated from her fragrant robes,
light from the goddess’s heavenly skin shone far,
her golden hair flowed over her shoulders,
and lightning flashes filled the finely crafted house.	280
She left the great hall. Metaneira’s knees buckled.
Silent a long time, she did not think at all
to pick up from the floor her only son.
But his sisters heard his pitiful cries,
and dashed from their richly spread beds. One lifted
the child in her arms, cradling him to her breast,
another lit the fire, while another rushed on soft feet
to rouse her mother from the fragrant room.
Gathering him up, they bathed the struggling child
and held him lovingly, but his spirit was not soothed:	290
far worse nurses and caretakers held him.
All night long, quaking with fear, they prayed
that the great goddess be gracious. When dawn appeared
they told Keleos, whose rule stretched far,
all that Demeter, crowned with grace, had commanded.
He then summoned the people from all around,
ordering them to make rich-haired Demeter
a splendid temple and altar on the rising hill.
They obeyed at once, heeded his words, and built
the temple, which grew as the deity had decreed.	300
When it was completed, they rested from toil
and left to return home. But golden Demeter
sat there, far away from all the blessed ones,
waiting, wasting away with longing for her daughter.
She made that a most dreadful and bitter year
for people on the land that feeds them, and the earth
sprouted no seed: Demeter, richly crowned, concealed it.
Oxen dragged the curved plows in vain through fields
and the white barley fell fruitless to the earth.
The cruel famine would have destroyed the whole race	310
of speaking folk, and deprived those in Olympos
of the splendid honor of gifts and sacrifices,
had Zeus not noticed, and devised a plan.
First he roused golden-winged Iris to summon
rich-haired Demeter—her form now in full beauty.
Zeus spoke and Iris obeyed the storm-cloud son
of Kronos, darting down with flying feet.
She came to the city of incense-offering Eleusis
and found Demeter darkly robed in the temple.
Iris urged her with swift words:	320
“Demeter, Father Zeus—who knows all—summons you
to join the race of gods who live forever.
Come, do not let my words from Zeus be barren.”
Iris pleaded, but Demeter’s spirit was not persuaded.
Then the father sent out one after another
all the blessed immortal gods. In succession
they called for her, offering many beautiful gifts,
and whatever honors she might choose among the gods.
But no one could persuade her heart or mind;
raging in spirit, she firmly spurned their words.	330
She said that never on fragrant Olympos
would she set foot, nor send up the earth’s fruit,
until she saw with her own eyes her bright-eyed daughter.
After far-seeing, thundering Zeus heard that,
he sent Hermes with his golden wand to Erebos
to cajole Hades with gentle words
that he might lead holy Persephone out of the misty
darkness to the light among gods, so her mother
could see with her own eyes and give up her anger.
Hermes obeyed; at once into the earth’s hidden places	340
he plunged down quickly, leaving Olympos.
He came upon Lord Hades in his house
sitting in bed with his revered wife,
still unwilling and longing for her mother. But Demeter
had devised a plan against the blessed gods’ deeds.
Standing near, the mighty Slayer of Argos said:
“Black-haired Hades, Lord of the Dead,
Zeus the father ordered me to lead noble Persephone
out of Erebos to be among us, so that her mother
might see her and give up her anger and dread	350
wrath against the gods. Demeter devised a plan
to destroy the fleeting race of earth-born humans,
burying all seed in the earth, destroying
the gods’ honors. She rages terribly, and does not mingle
with the gods: she sits far away in her fragrant temple,
keeping to the rugged city of Eleusis.”
So he explained. Hades, Lord of the Dead, smiled
with his brows, and obeyed the command of King Zeus.
Quickly he called for thoughtful Persephone:
“Persephone, go to your darkly robed mother,	360
keeping your temper and spirit gentle.
Do not be so much unhappier than others.
I will not be an unsuitable husband for you
among the gods, Father Zeus’ own brother. Here
you will rule over all who live and move,
you will have the greatest honors among immortals,
and you will punish forever those who do wrong,
who do not appease your temper with sacrifices,
enacting proper rites and offering gifts.”
So he said. Thoughtful Persephone rejoiced	370
and quickly leapt up in joy. But he gave her
a honey-sweet pomegranate seed to eat,
secretly slipping it to her, so she would not remain
with holy, dark-robed Demeter forever.
Hades, Lord of the Many Dead, harnessed
his immortal horses to the golden chariot.
She climbed into the chariot with strong Hermes,
who took the reins and the whip in his hands,
and raced off through the great hall. Eagerly they flew
and quickly they completed the long journey.	380
No sea or river, no grassy glens
or mountain peaks held them back: high above,
the immortal horses sliced through the wide air.
Hermes drove them to Demeter, richly crowned,
who waited by her fragrant temple. Demeter saw her
and dashed like a maenad down a wooded mountain.
When Persephone [saw] her mother’s [lovely eyes,]
she leapt down [from the chariot] and ran,
[flinging her arms around her mother’s neck.]
[Still holding her dear daughter, Demeter at once]	390
[suspected some trick; her heart feared terribly.]
Ending [her embrace, she quickly questioned:]
“My child, you didn’t [eat] any food [while you were down]
[below]? Speak out, [don’t hide, so that we may both know.]
If you did not, having come from [hateful Hades,]
you may live with me and your father,
[Kronos’ storm-cloud son,] honored by all [the gods.]
But if you did, flying back [into earth’s hidden places,]
you will live there a third part [of each year,]
but two seasons with me and the [other gods.]	400
When earth sprouts with every kind of fragrant
flower in spring, out of the misty darkness
you will rise again, a great marvel for gods and mortal folk.
What lure did the mighty Lord of the Dead use to trick you?”
Beautiful Persephone answered her in turn:
“Indeed I will tell you, Mother, the whole truth.
When Hermes, the swift runner, came to me
from my father, son of Kronos, and the other gods
to bring me from Erebos, so you could see me
and give up anger and dread wrath against the gods,	410
I leapt with joy, but secretly Kronos’ other son
put into me a pomegranate seed, honey-sweet food,
compelling me by force to eat, most unwillingly.
I will tell you how cunning Hades stole me away,
bringing me from my father to the hidden places
deep in the earth, and recount everything you ask.
All of us were playing in a charming meadow:
Leukippa, Phaino, Elektra, Iantha,
Melita, Iakha, Rhodeia, Kallirhoa,
Melobosis, Tukhe, blossoming Okuroa,	420
Khryseis, Ianeira, Akasta, Admeta,
Rhodopa, Plouto, charming Kalypso,
Styx, Ourania, lovely Galaxaura,
battle-rousing Athena and arrow-flinging Artemis.
We played and picked beautiful flowers:
delicate crocus mixed with iris and hyacinth,
rosebuds and lilies, marvelous to see,
and the narcissus, which the wide earth grew like a crocus.
When I picked it in delight, the earth gave way from beneath,
and the mighty Lord of the Many Dead sprang out.	430
Hades dragged me most unwilling under the earth
in his golden chariot; I shouted and screamed aloud.
In all this, though I grieve, I tell the whole truth.”
Then all day long the two goddesses were of one mind,
greatly cheering each other’s heart and soul;
as they embraced, their hearts abandoned grief.
They received and gave joys one to the other.
Hekate, veiled in light, came near them
and warmly embraced holy Demeter’s daughter.
From then on Hekate was her attendant and companion.	440
Far-seeing, thundering Zeus sent down rich-haired Rhea,
the mother of darkly robed Demeter, to bring
her daughter among the race of gods, for the honors—
whatever she might choose—that Zeus had promised.
He nodded to Rhea that the girl stay in misty darkness
for one-third share of the revolving year,
but two-thirds with her mother and other immortals.
The goddess Rhea obeyed the order from Zeus.
Quickly stepping down from the peaks of Olympos,
she came to the Rarian plain: life-giving udder of land	450
once fertile, now barren, it stood idle,
stripped of leaves. The land hid the white barley
through graceful Demeter’s cunning. Soon,
with the flourishing spring, the grain would grow
tall again, and in the plain, fat furrows
would be heavy with grain to be tied into sheaves.
There, Rhea first stepped down from the barren air.
Mother and daughter saw each other gladly, hearts rejoicing.
Rhea, veiled in light, said to Demeter:
“My child, far-seeing, thundering Zeus summons you	460
to walk among the race of gods, for the honors—
whatever you might choose—he has promised.
He nodded to you that the girl stay in misty darkness
for one-third share of the revolving year,
but two-thirds with you and other immortals.
Zeus said this was to happen and nodded his head.
But come, my daughter, obey. Do not forever rage
excessively against the storm-cloud son of Kronos.
Quickly grow life-giving fruit for humankind.”
Rhea urged and Demeter, richly crowned, obeyed.	470
Quickly she sent fruit shooting up from the fertile ground.
All the wide earth was heavy with leaves
and blossoms. Demeter revealed her sacred rites
to the kings who give justice, to Triptolemos,
horse-driving Diokles, powerful Eumolpos,
and leader Keleos, teaching her Mysteries to them all,
[to Triptolemos, Polyxeinos, and Diokles,]
sacred things not to be transgressed, asked about,
or uttered: great awe of the gods stops the voice.
Blest are earth-bound mortals who have seen these rites,	480
but the uninitiate, who has no share in them,
never has the same lot when dead in misty darkness.
After divine Demeter laid out her rites,
they left for Olympos to join the assembled gods;
there they live with Zeus who delights in thunder,
revered and feared. Whoever Demeter and Persephone
dearly love of earth-bound mortals is greatly blest—
they send Ploutos to that person’s great house
and Ploutos gives wealth to mortal folk.
Come, goddesses who abide in incense-offering Eleusis,	490
Paros, surrounded by sea, and craggy Antron—
Queen Deo, who brings seasons, bears shining fruit,
and your most beautiful daughter Persephone—
gladly grant a welcome livelihood for my song.
But I will remember you and the rest of the song.