Triptolemus and the Cultivation of Land

Triptolemus was a brave Greek hero and a man of great power in the city of Eleusis, close to Athens. Triptolemus was chosen by Demeter, the goddess of vegetation, to teach the craft of cultivation to the world.

Triptolemus' Journey

One day, Demeter gave Triptolemus the best wheat she had and armed him with a winged chariot drawn by serpents and sent him on a long journey. The first destination was meant to be Scythia in Central Asia.

On his journey, Triptolemus went through a lot of dangers but his heart was very brave and he could overcome all obstacles. When he reached Scythia, he taught the locals the farming of grain as well as the tools they would need for the labor of sowing.

Triptolemus encounters The King

Meanwhile Lyncus, the King of Scythia, had become very jealous of Triptolemus and ordered his officials to kill Triptolemus so he could then spread the rumor that he himself was the one who brought culture to Scythia. However, Triptolemus was to strong to be overcome, so Lyncus changed his plands and offered Triptolemus his hospitality. Triptolemus happily accepted.

While Triptolemus was in deep slumber, Lyncus slowly entered the room holding a sharp knife in his hands...but at the very moment the king raised his arm to kill his rival, a big hand reached out and grabbed his fist. It was none less than goddess Demeter.

The Interference of Demeter

“Lyncus, watch out!” she spoke and, all of a sudden, Lyncus transformed into a lynx, which quickly ran and hid himself inside the forest. Safe as Triptolemus now was, he was free to depart from Scythia and go on teaching agriculture to further tribes...

This myth describes how agriculture was taught to the ancient Greeks, leading to the rise of their civilization.