In this class we focus on the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, which tells the story of the abduction (rape) of Persephone and her mother’s struggles to find out what happened to her. This Hymn draws on many different types of myth and responds to interpretations that focus on its functions as a natural allegory, an anthropological allegory (about marriage, gender roles, and the family), a ritual etiology (for the Eleusinian Mysteries) and cultural discourse (structural and cognitive) reinforcing patriarchy. In addition, the story of Demeter’s response refines ‘cosmic history’ and establishes limits on Zeus’ power (reinforcing themes from the end of Hesiod’s Theogony).
Ancient Authors Discussed
Homer, Archaic Period
Bacchylides, Early Classical Period
Aeschylus, Classical period
Callimachus, Hellenistic Period
Ovid, Roman Imperial Period
Pausanias, Greek, Roman Imperial Period
Links to Blogposts
[Coming]
Some Suggested Course Texts
Homeric Hymn to Demeter
Student Links
Nan Fry, “From Persephone’s Letters to Demeter.”
Modern Authors Mentioned
Other Articles for Additional Reading
Wikipedia on the Eleusinian Mysteries
Erwin Cook. “Epiphany in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter and the Odyssey.”
Classical Mythology 
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