The Myth of Persephone: Greek Goddess of the Underworld

The young Persephone and her friends gathered sweet smelling flowers in a sunny meadow,

while the Earth Goddess Demeter watched over her daughter in the way that only a mother can.

Her father, the mighty God Zeus the thunderer, looked down from above with pride on the tranquil scene. He was satisfied that the pact he’d made with his brother, Hades, the God of the underworld was about to be fulfilled.

Suddenly the earth was rent as Hades burst through the surface, snatching the bewildered Persephone and disappearing again back to the dark depths below.

Demeter was distraught at the loss of her child and consumed by depression and despair. Before long the green plants of the earth withered and died while she neglected her duties as Goddess of nature.

Meanwhile down in the underworld Hades wooed the nubile Persephone, declaring his love and his wish for her to stay with him as his wife.

Demeter resolved to have her daughter returned. She went to her husband and made angry demands. Zeus, already concerned at the deterioration of the world quickly relented, sending his messenger Hermes to bring Persephone back to her mother.

On his arrival in the underworld and contrary to expectations, Hermes found a beautiful and radiant young Goddess. Persephone relished her new job at Hades right hand. While she desperately wished to see her mother again, she also wanted to stay with her lord.

Hades spoke to his Queen and said that while he would miss her, she should go back to her mother. Before she left however, Hades gave Persephone some pomegranate seeds to eat. These she dutifully accepted, not knowing that they would seal her fate.

Over-joyed to have Persephone back home, Demeter’s enthusiasm was rekindled and nature fully blossomed once again.

She was proud that her daughter had grown into a beautiful and wise young woman, but troubled by Zeus’s conditions. He stipulated that in order for Persephone to remain on the surface, she must still be as pure as the day she was taken.

Demeter didn’t need to question her daughter about her experiences with Hades. The ruby red stains on her lips were a betrayal that she had tasted the fruits of life. Demeter’s innocent child was lost forever.

However, Zeus loved his daughter too much to separate Persephone and her mother for eternity. He agreed that every spring she could return from the underworld, bringing with her the flowers that signal nature’s rebirth. And in the autumn she must go back to Hades and resume her Queenly duties. That is the time when Demeter is sorrowful, and winter exists until their next joyful reunion.

And Persephone is not unhappy, she looks forward to her role as Goddess of the underworld. Conscientiously greeting the new arrivals and helping them to settle in to their new, second lives.

Adapted by Ed Follet

Pictures by Hibiscus Hastings

With thanks to Boye Jervil