Polyxenus was one of the first priests of Demeter and one of the first mortals to learn the secrets of the Eleusinian Mysteries. He was an influential and much-honoured Eleusinian king who ruled the people, guarded the citadel, and kept the peace. Unfortunately, there is little information available regarding Polyxenus. His name means “he who has many guests” and is a conventional epithet of Hades. Along with the other kings mentioned in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter (Triptolemus, Dioclus, and Eumolpus), he was a cult-hero connected with the worship of Demeter.