Triton is found as a single figure,[[168]] and (chiefly on B.F. vases) engaged in a struggle with Herakles.[[169]] He also carries Theseus through the sea to Poseidon,[[170]] and watches the flight of Phrixos and Helle over the sea.[[171]] The group of deities represented by Ino and Leukothea, Palaimon, Melikertes, and Glaukos appear in isolated instances,[[172]] as do Proteus[[173]] and Skylla[[174]]—the latter as single figures, without reference to their connection with the Odyssey. A monstrous unidentified figure, with wings and a serpentine fish-tail, which may be a sea-deity (in one case feminine), is found on some early Corinthian vases[[175]]; possibly Palaimon is intended.
The Nereids, who are often distinctively named, are sometimes found in groups,[[176]] especially watching the seizure of Thetis or bearing the news to Nereus[[177]]; or, again, carrying the armour of Achilles over the sea and presenting it to him.[[178]] On one vase they mourn over the dead Achilles.[[179]] They are also present at the reception of Theseus,[[180]] the contest of Herakles and Triton,[[181]] and with Europa on the bull.[[182]] Kymothea offers a parting cup to Achilles[[183]]; the Naiads, who are similar beings, present to Perseus the cap, sword, shoes, and wallet.[[184]] They are also found grouped with various deities,[[185]] and even one in the under-world.[[186]] Thetis appears once as a single figure, accompanied by dolphins[[187]]; for her capture by Peleus and relations with Achilles, see p. [120] ff.
The Eleusinian deities Demeter and Persephone (or Kore) are usually found together, not only in scenes which have a special reference to their cult, but in general assemblies of the gods. They once appear in the Gigantomachia.[[188]] Scenes which refer to the Eleusinian cycle are found exclusively on later examples,[[189]] and as a rule merely represent the two chief deities grouped with others, such as Dionysos and Hekate, and with their attendants, Iacchos, Eumolpos, and Eubouleus.[[190]] One vase represents the initiation of Herakles, Kastor, and Polydeukes in the Lesser Mysteries of Agra[[191]]; another, the birth of Ploutos, who is handed to Demeter in a cornucopia by Gaia, rising from the earth, in the presence of Persephone, Triptolemos, and Iacchos[[192]]; and others, the birth of Dionysos or Iacchos—a very similar composition.[[193]] Demeter and Persephone are represented driving in their chariot, with attendant deities and other figures,[[194]] or standing alone, carrying sceptre and torches respectively,[[195]] or pouring libations at a tomb (on a sepulchral vase).[[196]] They are present at the carrying off of Basile by Echelos (a rare Attic legend),[[197]] and Demeter alone is seen, once at the birth of Athena,[[198]] once at the slaughter of the dragon by Kadmos,[[199]] once enthroned,[[200]] and once with Dionysos as Thesmophoros, holding an open roll with the laws (θεσμοί) of her cult.[[201]]
PLATE LI
Kotyle by Hieron: Triptolemos at Eleusis (British Museum).
Closely connected with Eleusis is the subject of the sending forth of Triptolemos as a teacher of agriculture in his winged car. This is found on vases of all periods,[[202]] but is best exemplified on the beautiful kotyle of Hieron in the British Museum (Plate LI.), where, besides Olympian and Chthonian deities, the personification of Eleusis is present. Besides the other Eleusinian personages, Keleos and Hippothoon are also seen.[[203]] Triptolemos is generally seated in his car, but in one or two cases he stands beside it[[204]]; in another he is just mounting it.[[205]] On the latter vase Persephone holds his plough. On a vase in Berlin Triptolemos appears without his car, holding a ploughshare; Demeter presents him with ears of corn, and Persephone holds torches.[[206]]