Demeter, the Greek goddess of vegetation and fruitfulness, was known to the Romans as Ceres. She was the daughter of Cronus (SaturnRoman god of the harvest) and Rhea and the sister of Zeusin Greek mythology, king of the gods and husband of Hera (Roman god Jupiter). Although Demeter was not one of the 12 gods of Olympusin Greek mythology, home of the gods, her origins can be traced back to very ancient times, perhaps to the Egyptian goddess Isis. Her name means "mother goddess" or "barley mother."

Demeter had a daughter by Zeus called Persephonequeen of the Underworld, the Kore or young maiden, and the daughter of Demeter.. The figures of Demeter and Persephone are closely related, and...