The story of Hades and Persephone is one of a wicked game. Persephone is the Greek goddess of the bounty of spring and the daughter of Demeter, who herself is the goddess of agriculture. According to legend, one day, Hades, the God of the Underworld, caused the earth beneath Persephone's feet to open up while simultaneously, he appeared in his chariot and sucked her downwards, abducting her to his realm. Demeter went into a deep depression while searching the world for her daughter. Her grief caused her to neglect her duties and, therefore, the world became barren and sent the humans into famine. Eventually, Persephone's whereabouts were discovered, and Zeus, the King of the Gods, began to negotiate her release. Persephone was free to leave so long as she had consumed nothing from the Underworld... However, after eating nothing for months throughout her ordeal, she had finally eaten a few pomegranate seeds to sate her hunger. Now tainted by underworldly materials, this now obligated her to remain bound to Hades as his queen. A bargain was struck; Persephone would spend most of the year with her mother Demeter, but she must always return to her husband. Thus, the earthly seasons were born, Autumn signifying Demeter beginning to grieve the loss of her daughter, and Winter representing Demeter's depression while Persephone is in the Underworld with Hades.
While this may sound like a terrifying ordeal, many have reimagined this story for the modern age. Perhaps Hades was not a manipulative kidnapper but a lover who desired to free Persephone from an overbearing, codependent, and emotionally enmeshed mother. Perhaps Persephone did not eat the pomegranate in desperation or through trickery but instead happily feasted with her partner as they rejoiced in the eternal bond they were creating together. After all, even according to tradition, they had one of the happiest marriages in the pantheon, and neither ever had an affair, a rare feat in Greek mythology.
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I really loved the legend 😍😍 Even your illustration came out really pretty. How do I get to know about their love story and life? Is there any specific place that you can suggest for me to read?
Thank you ❤️
Loved it. Thanks.