In Greek mythology, who is recognized as the goddess of the harvest?

Demeter is the goddess of the harvest in Greek mythology. She is primarily associated with agriculture, fertility, and the nurturing of the earth. As the mother of Persephone, her mythology is closely tied to the cycle of seasons, reflecting how the harvests are directly impacted by Persephone's time spent in the Underworld. When Persephone is with Hades, Demeter mourns, resulting in winter, when the earth is barren. Conversely, when Persephone returns, Demeter is filled with joy, and the earth becomes fertile again, symbolizing spring and summer.

Ceres, although included in the choices, is actually the Roman equivalent of Demeter, which explains its presence but not its direct relevance to Greek mythology. Hera, while an important goddess related to marriage and family, does not specifically associate with harvests. Persephone, while significant in the harvest narrative due to her relationship with Demeter, is not the goddess of the harvest herself but rather a figure representing the seasonal cycle tied to Demeter's abilities.