by Tim Harry

Created on: November 18, 2008   Last Updated: January 12, 2009

There are many gods and goddesses from ancient Greek mythology whose names are as recognisable today as they were in days gone by. Persephone may not be the most well known of Greek goddesses but her role in the life of ancient Greeks cannot be overlooked. Persephone was the goddess of agriculture, the harvest and the seasons, as well as being provided with the title of Persephone Goddess of the Underworld.

Persephone was born out of the union between Zeus, supreme ruler of Greek mythology, and his sister, Demeter, one of the original deities of Mount Olympus. Persephone could have wished for no higher parentage, but her roots did not give her a place in Mount Olympus unlike many other second generation Olympians. She did though grow up to be a beautiful maiden, providing Persephone with a second name of Kore, and was allowed to live as a part of Nature. Persephone was given a role planting and looking after flowers and plants.

Growing up away from the other gods though did not mean that she went unnoticed, and her beauty soon attracted the attention of the Olympian gods, Hephaestus, Apollo, Hermes and Ares. Demeter though ensured that all advances for her daughter were rejected. Hades, brother to Zeus, though was not easily deterred.

As Persephone went about her daily work of picking flowers, with some other nymphs, when Hades left his domain and abducted her. Demeter was devastated by the loss of her daughter, and in her anger turned the nymphs into Sirens for failing to protect Persephone.

Demeter wandered to all corners of the earth in search for her daughter, and the land became infertile as she continued looking. Helios, the sun god, who sees everything, eventually told Demeter what had happened to Persephone. Knowing though did little to help Demeter, as Hades ruled his domain, and Demeter would be powerless against him. The land though was not producing food, and the population of the world were starving.

Zeus knew that he could not let the situation continue, so sent Hermes to visit his brother to secure the release of Persephone. Hades would not go against a command from Zeus, but he was still reluctant to release the goddess he desired. Thus he tricked Persephone to eat some pomegranate seeds, which acted as a contract binding the goddess to the Underworld for four months every year. For the rest of the year Persephone was allowed to return to her mother's side.

This cycle for the year gives rise to the seasons of the year. During the eight months that

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>