A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

or DEMOPHOON (Δημοφῶν or Δημοφόων

1. The youngest son of Celeus and Metaneira, who was entrusted to the care of Demeter. He grew up under her without any human food, being fed by the goddess with her own milk, and ambrosia. During the night she used to place him in fire to secure to him eternal youth; but once she wais observed by Metaneira, who disturbed the goddess by her cries, and the child Demophon was consumed by the flames. (Apollod. 1.5.1 ; Ov. Fast. 4.512, &c.; Hyg. Fab. 147; Hom. Hymn. in (Cer 234.)