Demeter-

In Greek Mythology Demeter was known for her service to mankind in providing them with the gift of harvest, the reward for nurturing of the soil. Demeter was thought to be responsible for the fertility of the land. However Demeter was best known for her fierce defense of her daughter, Persephone. Persephone’s youthful beauty drew the attention of Hades, the God of the underworld, and he could not help falling on love with Persephone. One day as Persephone reached over to pick a flower, the earth opened and the arm of Hades reached up from the underworld. Hearing Persephone's screams, the goddess Demeter rushes to the meadow, but cannot find Persephone only the flower. Demeter traveled the world day and night searching for her daughter. Demeter soon encountered Hecate, goddess of the crossroads, who advised her to speak with Helio, goddess of the sun she had surely seen what had happened to Persephone. Helio told the goddess Demeter what she had seen and that Persephone was now ensconced as Hades' wife and Queen of the Underworld. She also gave her the shocking news that Zeus himself had sanctioned the marriage, giving Hades permission to abduct Persephone. Renouncing her divine duties that included bringing fertility to the land, Demeter left Mount Olympus swearing that the earth would remain barren until her daughter was returned to her. All this time, with the goddess Demeter refusing to function, the land grew barren and the harvests ceased the earth saw a winter that did not end. Zeus finally opens his eyes to what was happening and sent messengers to apologize and convince the goddess Demeter to return. Persephone, upon hearing the news, rejoiced for she had missed her mother sorely. As she was leaving, Hades offered her a pomegranate to eat. Although she undoubtedly knew that those who ate anything in the underworld were not allowed to return to the earth, Persephone accepted Hades' gift, eating only the seeds. Demeter was not pleased that Persephone had eaten the pomegranate seeds and would have to return to the underworld for four months during each year. Demeter resumed her divine duties and restored the fertility of the earth. Each year the goddess Demeter longs for her absent daughter and withdraws her favors from the earth for a period we know as winter, but Persephone returns each spring to end her desolation.