Demeter was also a goddess of the underworld

Demeter was revered as the goddess of the Earth and the underworld in addition to being associated with agriculture and the harvest. Demeter was compared to the underworld gift-sender Anesidora in the Flea cult. Demeter was pictured as a goddess with two snakes, holding a dolphin in one hand and a dove in the other in Arcadia, one of Greece's regional regions. This portrayal is primarily used to show her control over the underworld, the air, and the sea.

Ancient Greek farmers believed that a new life always emerges from the remains of a deceased person, much as a new plant does from buried seeds. The deceased was referred to as "Demetrioi" by the Athenians in the context of this agrarian worldview. Demeter was also referred to as Demeter-Chthonia in the Spartan city. Chthonia refers to gods or spirits associated with the underworld in the religion of the ancient Greeks. Demeter was known as both the underworld goddess and the Khrysaoros, also known as the Lady of the Golden Blade. After using the golden sickle or sword, she earned the moniker "golden blade lady."