Persephone is the goddess of spring and summer, and the Queen of the Underworld. She is often pictured with pomegranate seeds and deer.
Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She was beautiful and joyful, and was often out in the fields picking flowers and enjoying nature. One day, she was picking narcissus flowers by the water’s edge when a great chariot raced out of the earth, carrying Hades. Hades stopped just long enough to grab Persephone and throw her into his chariot. The earth opened again and the chariot disappeared into the Underworld.
Persephone was so depressed when she reached the Underworld that she refused to eat or drink. However, as time went on, Hades began to win her over, and she became accustomed to her surroundings. Yet, she knew that how she was taken was wrong, and she knew her mother would be worried sick about her, so she continued her fast. Meanwhile, Demeter was so enraged at her daughter’s kidnapping that she went to Zeus, but found he had a new thunderbolt, courtesy of Hades. Demeter refused to allow anything to grow, causing famine on the earth below. Zeus finally persuaded his brother to allow Persephone to leave on one condition: that she hadn’t eaten anything while in the Underworld. Unfortunately, just that morning she quickly snuck six pomegranate seeds when no one was looking. Zeus pronounced that Persephone must spend six months in the Underworld, and she can spend the other six on earth. During her time in the Underworld, Demeter does not allow vegetation to grow as she anxiously awaits her daughter’s return. This accounts for the four seasons each year, and the spring and summer vegetation upon Persephone’s return.
The Sirens were supposed to be Persephone’s protectors, but after her kidnapping, Demeter cursed them and banished them to the sea. Their songs often include lyrics of lament and longing for Persephone to return to earth.
Zeus and Demeter
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Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter in Greek mythology. She is known as the queen of the Underworld after being taken by Hades, and is also the goddess of spring and vegetation.
Persephone is important because her story explains the changing seasons. Her time in the Underworld causes winter, while her return brings spring and growth.
The myth tells how Hades abducted Persephone to be his wife in the Underworld. Her mother, Demeter, grieved and stopped the harvest, leading to the first winter. Persephone's yearly return to Earth marks the start of spring.
Ancient Greeks believed that Persephone's time in the Underworld caused winter because Demeter mourned her absence. When Persephone returned, Demeter rejoiced and the earth flourished, creating spring and summer.
Persephone is often symbolized by pomegranates, flowers, and torches. These represent her roles as the goddess of spring, queen of the Underworld, and the cycle of life and death.