Demeter (Ceres) is the goddess of agriculture, grain, and the harvest. Not to be dramatic, but we basically have her to thank for our survival on planet Earth. She taught the art of agriculture to Triptolemus, who then spread this knowledge to the rest of mankind. Since agriculture is kind of necessary for existence, we owe her big time. The most famous myth involving Demeter describes the abduction of her daughter, Persephone, by Hades, the Lord of the Dead. (Don't worry, Shmoop's got you covered for the full scoop on that story). From this myth, we actually get an explanation for the changing of the seasons. So if you live somewhere snowy, you have Demeter to thank... or to blame... your call.