Demeter, Myths, and the Polyvalence of Festivals

Overview

• Title: Demeter, Myths, and the Polyvalence of Festivals
• Published in: History of Religions, Volume 52, Number 4
• Author: Sarah Iles Johnston, The Ohio State University
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• DOI: 10.1086/669646
• Publication Date: May 2013

Key Themes

• Demeter in Greek Mythology:

  • Exploration of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, harvest, and fertility.
  • Analysis of her role in various myths, particularly focusing on her influence on human life and nature.

• Polyvalence of Festivals:

  • Discussion on the various meanings and roles of festivals dedicated to Demeter.
  • Insight into how these festivals reflect the socio-cultural and religious aspects of the time.

Main Ideas

• Demeter's Myths:

  • Central myth: The abduction of her daughter, Persephone, by Hades, and its impact on seasons.
  • Symbolizes themes of life, death, and rebirth in Greek culture.

• Thesmophoria Festival:

  • Key festival dedicated to Demeter and Persephone.
  • Primarily a women's festival celebrating fertility and the cycle of life.
  • Involves rituals that symbolize death and rebirth, reflecting agricultural cycles.

Cultural Impact

• Influence on Greek Society:

  • Festivals were integral to the social and religious life, fostering community bonds.
  • Reflected gender roles and the importance of agriculture in ancient Greece.

• Religious Significance:

  • Offered insight into ancient Greek religious practices.
  • Showed how myths and festivals were used to explain natural phenomena and human experience.

Conclusion

• The study underlines the multiplicity of meanings attached to myths and festivals.
• Highlights the ongoing relevance of Demeter's stories in understanding ancient Greek culture and religious practices.

Additional Information

• Citations: Cited by other scholarly works, indicating its influence and relevance in the field of religious studies.
• Availability: Article available in PDF format for deeper reading and exploration.

Contact and Further Reading

• Author's Affiliation: Ohio State University
• University of Chicago Press Website: University of Chicago Press for additional resources and articles.