CELEUS (mortal king of Eleusis)

When the goddess Demeter arrived in Eleusis, Celeus welcomed her into his home.^5,1,4 His daughters, who had found the goddess sitting near the Maiden Well, brought her to their mother, Metanira.^5,2 Among his children were the unwed maiden Callidice and other daughters, including Diogenia, Pammerope, and Saesara.^8,9,2 These daughters served as ministers of the Two Goddesses, reflecting the sacred nature of the household.⁸

Celeus was informed of the goddess's demands by the women at dawn, and he quickly summoned the local population to an assembly.⁷ He commanded them to build a shrine, and they obeyed his orders to construct a temple and altar for Demeter.⁷ Demeter taught Celeus the conduct of her sacred rites and mysteries.^3,6

Celeus was also the father of Triptolemus.^10,11 He had a brother named Dysaules, and his house entertained his native gods, sending troops to battle in times of conflict.^12,13 Celeus is associated with cheap wicker-ware used in farming.¹⁴

Ultimately, Celeus was expelled from Eleusis by Ion, marking the end of his direct rule.¹² He remained a powerful, heaven-nurtured leader of the people, having been taught the conduct of the sacred rites.^3,6,4,7