Fixation to the mother is frequently found in clinical practice. In order to better understand this phenomenon, Erich Fromm's theories on the pre-oedipal attachment to the mother, maternal love and biophilia/necrophilia are presented. The myth of Demeter is introduced as seen by both Bachofen, with his theory of matriarchy, and Kerényi. These tools are then applied to two detailed clinical cases. Even if general theories are used, each case clearly remains unique in terms of understanding and psychoanalytic treatment. If one of the limits of matriarchy is that of not encouraging the process of individuation in children, the resulting fixation to the mother is not, however, malignant. Malignant forms tend to develop when the mother is hostile and cold towards her children, who are almost magnetically attracted to her in a necrophilic way. The myth and the two clinical cases also have in common a male figure who is immature or inadequate.