METANIRA (queen of Eleusis, wife of Celeus)
Figure of myth · mythical character
- Consorts
- Celeus
- Children
- Triptolemus, Callidice, Cleisidice, Demo, Abas, Demophon of Eleusis, Callithoe, Ascalabus
- Symbols and gear
- son
- In the sources
- 10 ancient passages
Metanira, wife of Celeus who ruled the Eleusinians, was a well-girded woman who spoke with dignity and grace.1,2,3,4 She possessed a son born late in her life, a child given to her beyond hope after much prayer.5,2 The accounts differ on the name of this son, with some calling him Demophon and others Demophoon.1,4 This unexpected arrival in her palace became the focus of her devotion.3
Seized by awe and fear when the visitor’s radiance filled the doorway, she rose from her couch to invite the woman to sit.6 After the guest refused wine, Metanira mixed meal, water, and soft mint into a drink and offered it as instructed.6 She asked the visitor to nurse her son and promised a great reward to the woman who raised him to full youth.2
Metanira entrusted the rearing of her son to the goddess, feeling glad in her heart when the child was taken.7,4 Later, she kept watch at night from her sweet-smelling chamber.4 She discovered the goddess hiding the child in the fire.4 In her distress, she wailed, struck her hips, and lamented with words of fear for her son.4
The goddess snatched the son from the fire and threw him to the ground.3 She then spoke to Metanira after throwing the child to the ground.3 A sanctuary dedicated to Metanira stands near a well.8 She remains a figure of maternal devotion, having offered many gifts for the upbringing of her son.5
