HUM 102W Lecture Notes - Homeric Hymns, Thesmophoria, Celeus
27 Mar 2014
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Demeter and aphrodite are the two goddesses of the greek pantheon most associated with fertility. Other significant goddesses, such as athena, artemis, and hestia, are virgins. They may project a sort of latent fertility, but their disinterest in procreation makes them of little interest when considering issues of fertility in general. The great myth of demeter is narrated in homeric hymn 2. It emphasizes her maternal relationship to her daughter persephone and her power over the fertility of the earth. Rather than having an erotic power over others, Aphrodite herself falls in love (or in bed , if you like). Nevertheless, these goddesses and their distinct identities reveal that female fertility is not necessarily a unified concept. Procreation and sexuality can be separated in the human mind. I begin to sing of rich-haired demeter, holy goddess, of her and of her daughter lovely persephone. Keep this city safe, and govern (or begin) my song.
