Demeter is the goddess of the harvest, and she is often represented by sheaves of wheat.
Demeter was the goddess of the fields and the harvest, and was the goddess the Greek people appealed to in times of famine or poor crop yields. She was once pursued by Poseidon, and he created horses to impress her. Together, they had two children: Arion and Despoena. Demeter was later pursued by Zeus, and together they had Persephone.
Persephone was the joy of Demeter’s life, and the two are often depicted together in ancient Greek art and poetry. When Persephone was kidnapped by Hades and brought to the Underworld, Demeter caused the fields and earth to dry up and stop growing until Zeus agreed to help her get her daughter back. Zeus finally agreed, with the stipulation that if Persephone has eaten anything in the Underworld, she will have to stay there. Demeter insisted that Persephone would be too sad to have eaten anything, and indeed that was the case—right up until just before Hermes arrived to bring her home. Persephone ate six pomegranate seeds, which leads Zeus to decree that she will have to return to the Underworld for six months every year.
Demeter was so devastated that she declared that nothing on the earth will grow for the six months that Persephone is gone each year; this created the seasons of fall and winter, until the seasons of spring and summer which celebrate Persephone’s return to earth.
Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Create your own Storyboard
Try it for Free!Demeter Quick Reference
Parents
Cronos and Rhea
Power / Domain
The harvest
Symbols
Sheaves of wheat
Notable Myths
- Abduction of Persephone
- Triptolemos
- Birth of Arion
How Tos about Demeter: Greek Goddess of the Harvest
Engage Students with a Mythology Storytelling Circle
Gather students in a circle and assign each a role from a Greek myth related to Demeter. This interactive approach helps students build confidence, practice public speaking, and deepen their understanding of mythology as they retell the story in their own words.
Connect Demeter’s Myth to Real-World Agriculture
Discuss how Demeter’s role as goddess of harvest compares to modern farming. Encourage students to share examples from their communities or research local crops, making mythology relevant to everyday life.
Facilitate a Creative Art Project Inspired by Demeter
Invite students to illustrate key scenes from Demeter’s myths using drawing, collage, or digital tools. This visual activity strengthens comprehension and allows students to express their interpretations of the goddess’s story.
Design a Vocabulary Challenge Using Mythology Terms
Create a word wall featuring terms like 'harvest,' 'Persephone,' and 'Olympian.' Challenge students to use these words in sentences or find connections between vocabulary and mythological concepts for deeper learning.
Assess Understanding with a Quick Mythology Quiz
Prepare a short, fun quiz about Demeter and her role in Greek mythology. Use multiple-choice or true/false questions to quickly check students’ grasp of key facts and encourage friendly competition in the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions about Demeter: Greek Goddess of the Harvest
Who is Demeter in Greek mythology?
Demeter is the Greek goddess of agriculture, grain, and harvest. She is one of the 12 Olympian gods and goddesses and is known for teaching humans how to grow crops and care for the earth.
What is Demeter the goddess of?
Demeter is the goddess of agriculture, farming, and fertility. She is responsible for the growth of plants and the changing of the seasons in Greek mythology.
Why is Demeter important in Greek myths?
Demeter is important because she controls the harvest and food supply. Her story also explains the origin of the seasons through the myth of her daughter Persephone.
What is the story of Demeter and Persephone?
The story of Demeter and Persephone explains the changing seasons. When Persephone was taken to the underworld, Demeter’s sadness caused winter, and her return brought spring and summer.
How can teachers introduce Demeter to students?
Teachers can introduce Demeter by using short myths, visual aids, and discussions about agriculture. Comparing Demeter to other harvest deities and linking her to science lessons on seasons helps students connect the myth to real life.
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office