What is Persephone known for?
The goddess Persephone is known for serving as Goddess of Spring, but she also operated in a variety of other important roles in Greek mythology. Like her mother, Demeter, Persephone was an agriculturally-based goddess who presided over grains and vegetation, leading her to be known as the Goddess of Vegetation.
Who is Persephone and what is her story?
The story of Persephone, the sweet daughter of goddess Demeter who was kidnapped by Hades and later became the Queen of the Underworld, is known all over the world. It is actually the way of the ancient Greeks to explain the change of the seasons, the eternal cycle of the Nature's death and rebirth.
Is Persephone good or evil?
Persephone is the main antagonist of God of War: Chains of Olympus. She is the ancient Greek Goddess of Spring and Innocence who was cursed to be both the wife of Hades and the Goddess of the Underworld.
Is Persephone in love with Hades?
Hades, god of the Underworld, fell in love with Persephone and wanted her as his bride. His brother Zeus consented to the marriage—or at least refused to oppose it. Yet he warned Hades that Demeter would never approve this coupling, for she would not want her daughter spirited off to a sunless world.
Why did Zeus let Hades take Persephone?
Because Hades had deceivingly tricked the young Persephone into eating the pomegranate, he was commanded to allow Persephone to visit her poor mother above his domain. In return, Zeus promised a binding deal that allowed Hades to have Persephone a month for each seed she had eaten.
Did Hades cheat on Persephone?
Hades did not make any of his extramarital affairs a secret. Typically, his affairs would not bother Persephone, but when Minthe arrogantly bragged that she was more beautiful than Persephone and that she would win Hades back, Persephone took revenge. Persephone turned Minthe into what we know today as the mint plant.
Who was the ugliest god?
HephaestusHephaestus. Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera. Sometimes it is said that Hera alone produced him and that he has no father. He is the only god to be physically ugly.
Does Persephone mean death?
She is death; she is life. Born out of the natural understanding of death through plants, especially those grown as crops, Persephone predates the myth of her abduction and was already a powerful life/death goddess in her own right.
What crime did Persephone commit?
Persephone was raped by her father, Zeus, twice, and bore two kids by him. The name Persephone is thought to mean "destroy" and "murder." Persephone is the goddess of the spring season.
Did Zeus seduce Persephone?
Persephone was seduced by Zeus when he took the shape of her abductor/husband, Hades. Kallisto of Arkadia (southern Greece) was seduced by Zeus in the form of Artemis. In anger, Artemis transformed her into a bear, and she bore a son, Arkas.
How old is Persephone now?
Hear me out. He's 2000 years old canonically and Persephone is 19. Barely an adult.
What are Persephone's weaknesses?
Persephone's weaknesses are that she is easily tempted by something she desires (Evslin). Her beauty is also a weakness, for it attracts the unwanted attention of Hades (Regula).
What is the story of Hades and Persephone?
Hades fell in love with Persephone and decided to kidnap her. The myth says that in one of the rare times he left the Underworld, he traveled above ground to pursue her, while she was gathering flowers in a field. One day Hades, God of the Underworld, saw Persephone and instantly fell in love with her.
What happened to Persephone?
The gods had caused the ground to split underneath Persephone, and then she slipped beneath the Earth. Thus, Hades was able to trap her in his underground kingdom where he made her his wife. Although at first Persephone was very unhappy in the Underworld, in time she came to love Hades and live happily with him.
Who was the ugliest god?
HephaestusHephaestus. Hephaestus is the son of Zeus and Hera. Sometimes it is said that Hera alone produced him and that he has no father. He is the only god to be physically ugly.
Did Zeus seduce Persephone?
Persephone was seduced by Zeus when he took the shape of her abductor/husband, Hades. Kallisto of Arkadia (southern Greece) was seduced by Zeus in the form of Artemis. In anger, Artemis transformed her into a bear, and she bore a son, Arkas.
What is the story of Adonis?
The tale of Adonis closely mirrors Persephone ’s own destiny. Namely, once both Aphrodite and Persephone fell in love with the same mortal, a handsome young man called Adonis. Since they couldn’t agree between them who deserves him more, Zeus divided his time between the upper world and the Underworld. However, Adonis loved Aphrodite more and, when the time came, he refused to go back to Persephone ’s kingdom. Angered and hurt, the goddess of the Underworld sent a wild boar to kill Adonis, who died in Aphrodite ’s arms and was transformed into the anemone flower.
How much time did Persephone spend with her mother?
Zeus proposed a compromise: Persephone would spend two-thirds of the year with her mother, and one-third with her new husband. Everybody agreed – and that’s how the seasons were born and how the growth of crops was explained. Just like a seed, Persephone spends few months of the year below the earth.
What happened to Demeter when she found out about Helios and Hecate?
He snatched her and took her with him to the Underworld, to be his wife and queen. Needless to say, Demeter wasn’t very pleased when she found out from Hecate and Helios what had happened. Hurt and distraught, she started wandering aimlessly around and was aggrieved to such an extent that she neglected all her duties.
What does Persephone's horn of plenty represent?
Another attribute linked to Persephone is the horn of plenty ( cornucopia) which represents her role as a goddess of fertility.
What is the name of Persephone?
Persephone's Name. Persephone was known under many different names in Ancient Greece ( see “ Persephone at a Glance” for some of the byforms), but the current scholarly consensus is that all of them suggest a Pre-Greek origin of both the name and the goddess. On the other hand, the name of Persephone ’s Roman counterpart, Proserpine, ...
What was Persephone's mother called?
As we wrote above, some called her “The Maiden” and others “The Mistress.” She was also known as “The Pure One,” “The Venerable One,” and “The Great Goddess.” Persephone was so closely associated with her mother that the pair was often referred to as “The Two Demeters” or, simply, “The Two Goddesses.”
Who sent Hermes to the Underworld to get Persephone back to her mother?
Seeing no way out of it, Zeus (who some say must have approved Hades ’ abduction in the first place) sent Hermes to the Underworld to fetch Persephone back to her mother. The divine messenger did do precisely that, and Demeter and Persephone were once again reunited on Olympus.
Why did Persephone spend four months in the underworld?
The story that Persephone spent four months of each year in the underworld was no doubt meant to account for the barren appearance of Greek fields in full summer —after harvest, before their revival in the autumn rains, when they are plowed and sown. Britannica Quiz. Ancient Greek Underworld Quiz.
Where was Persephone gathered?
In the Homeric “Hymn to Demeter,” the story is told of how Persephone was gathering flowers in the Vale of Nysa when she was seized by Hades and removed to the underworld. Upon learning of the abduction, her mother, Demeter, in her misery, became unconcerned with the harvest or the fruitfulness of the earth, so that widespread famine ensued.
What is the meaning of "persephone"?
Persephone. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Persephone, Latin Proserpina or Proserpine, in Greek religion, daughter of Zeus, the chief god, and Demeter, ...
Who was the wife of Hades?
Alternative Titles: Proserpina, Proserpine. Persephone, Latin Proserpina or Proserpine, in Greek religion, daughter of Zeus, the chief god, and Demeter, the goddess of agriculture; she was the wife of Hades, king of the underworld. In the Homeric “Hymn to Demeter,” the story is told of how Persephone was gathering flowers in the Vale ...
What is the Greek myth about the change in seasons?
Do most plants grow year-round? No! They grow in spring and summer and then die during fall and winter. Most historians assume that the Greeks used the story of Persephone to explain the change in seasons. While she was in the world, this goddess of grain and agriculture promoted growth and life. However, when she returned to the Underworld her agriculture-goddess mother went into mourning and the crops died.
Who was the most important deity in ancient Greece?
Who was the most important deity of ancient Greece? It is a hard question, but those who truly understand the Greeks could not ignore one candidate: Persephone. As goddess of the Underworld, Persephone may not seem like someone who the Greeks would count on to protect their lives, but this complex deity was also a goddess of grain and agriculture. In fact, the ritual worship of Persephone was seen as absolutely necessary for the survival of humanity. If you want to understand the relationship between the ancient Greeks and their gods, you cannot ignore Persephone.
Who is Persephone's daughter?
When legends talk about Persephone in the early stages of her existence, they generally refer to her as Kore. This name represents a daughter or youthful maiden , and Kore/Persephone was worshipped as a goddess of daughters as well.
What did Persephone eat?
There are many variations to this part of the myth but somehow, Hades got Persephone to eat a few pomegranate seeds. The pomegranate was the food of the Underworld and if its seed were consumed, they would change a person into loving the Underworld. The time came for Hades, Persephone, Zeus, and Demeter to meet.
Why did Zeus decide to stay quiet?
Zeus decided that it was best to remain quiet so that he wasn’t caught in the middle of his brother Hades and his lover Demeter. Helios decided it was best to also stay quiet as the matter didn’t concern him. Demeter was falling apart. She was completely heartbroken and distraught over her missing daughter.
What happened to Hades in the gap?
She stooped down to get a better look when suddenly, the earth beneath her opened. Through the gap, Hades appeared with his chariot and black horses. Before she could react, Hades grabbed the goddess and just as quickly as he had appeared, disappeared back into the earth with the girl.
Why was Demeter upset with Zeus?
She remained furious and knew in her heart that Hades was not the best husband for her daughter. She was also upset with Zeus for not preventing this. Demeter decided she had to punish the gods and abandoned her duties as a goddess.
What is Persephone's mother's name?
Persephone was the result of one of Zeus’ love affairs. Her mother was Demeter and the young girl was described as shy and beautiful. She spent her days frolicking in the fields and playing in fresh streams. She was also known as Kore, which means “the maiden”.
What is the symbol of Persephone?
Symbology. One symbol associated with Persephone is the pomegranate. In some versions of her myth, it is said that because she consumed the seeds of a pomegranate fruit found in the Underworld, she was forced to stay there for several months of the year, resulting in cold weather and soil unable to grow crops in.
What did Zeus hear?
Zeus heard the cries of the people. They were hungry and scared. Zeus knew he had to do something to calm Demeter or else the entire world would perish. But he knew his solution had to please both Demeter and Hades.
What does Zeus decree?
He decrees that Persephone must be returned to Demeter for everyone’s sake , and that she and Hades must share their time with her.
What does Demeter look for in her child?
Demeter looks everywhere for her child, causing mayhem and destruction as she goes. At first Zeus does not see a need to seek out Hades and confront him about the abduction of Persephone, but when Demeter’s horrible sadness causes her to neglect her duties as a goddess, the earth begins to suffer.
Why does Persephone give up Aphrodite?
Apparently the goddess of love has fallen for the beautiful youth Adonis. When he dies, Aphrodite gives him to Persephone for safekeeping, but the goddess falls in love with him herself. When she refuses to give him up, Zeus must again intervene with a similar resolution. The two goddesses must share him for six months out of the year, with Persephone claiming him during the autumn and the winter.
What season does Persephone and Demeter go together?
The earth experiences spring and summer while Persephone and Demeter are together. While she is with Hades, the earth feels Demeter’s lament during autumn and winter. There is also a story about these two seasons that concerns Persephone as the queen of the Underworld.
What happens when Demeter tries to gather her children?
He sweeps her away to the depths of the kingdom of the dead. Demeter looks everywhere for her child, causing mayhem and destruction as she goes.
What is Persephone's mother's name?
Persephone’s story actually focuses more on her mother, Demeter, and what happens when Persephone disappears. The young goddess is also the daughter and niece of Zeus, and the wife and niece of Hades when she becomes the queen of the Underworld.
Is Persephone a child?
Persephone is a true nature child, being the daughter of the goddess of the harvest. Her mother is also affectionately known as Mother Nature. Persephone is a living example of youth, beauty, and life, and draws the attention of the king of the dead (Not to be confused with death itself, who is Thanatos).
Why did Demeter let Persephone go to the Underworld?
While Persephone was in a meadow one day, the story goes that Hades was struck by her beauty. He abducted her and brought her down to the Underworld to be his bride. Demeter searched frantically for her daughter, but to no avail: Persephone was gone. In her grief, Demeter let all of the crops die and brought on a huge drought. In some versions of the myth, Demeter went to the city of Eleusis where the people built her a temple, and once there she deliberately created a drought to try and force Hades to give up her daughter.
What is Persephone's mythology?
Persephone: Greek Mythology. There are many references to Persephone in Greek mythology from a wide variety of sources. She was clearly a major figure in ancient Greek religion and culture; there are plenty of stories about her interacting with other gods and heroes of the ancient Greek canon.
Who created the first human?
The creation of humans in Greek mythology is almost always associated with the titan Prometheus. However, the Pseudo-Hyginus of the second century CE describes another version of events: Persephone sculpts the first humans out of clay, which is the body of the goddess Gaia (Earth). Zeus breathes life into the clay figures, creating the first humans. Because Persephone is the one who created these people, she is also the one to care for their souls after death. It is unclear to what extent this myth was accepted in ancient Greece.
What is the change in status following rape?
The change in status following rape (or attempted rape) is irrevocable and the parthenos is changed in some way from her existence prior to the assault. Daphne is a parthenos who wanted to become a huntress with Artemis, remaining unmarried and rejecting the typically feminine.
What is Helen in Euripides' plays?
Helen becomes a symbol of all Greek women who must be protected from barbarian rapists. Euripides, in his plays, gives attention to women as victims of war. Clytemnestra, usually depicted as wicked, is humanized, and to an extend, justified, when she addresses her husband in Iphigeneia at Aulis:
What is the name of the myth of Persephone?
The Rape of Persephone. Main article: Rape of Persephone. The Homeric Hymn to Demeter is the oldest known and most complete and significant version of the Persephone myth. Homer describes Persephone as thalere (nubile, ripened) and says she is one of the bathykolpos (deep-breasted) Oceanids.
What does the red figure in the Attic represent?
Attic red figure pottery represent the first known depictions of gods assaulting mortal women, showing the god pursuing the woman with one arm outstretched, holding a phallic symbol in the other, or otherwise having caught the women and grabbing her.
What happens when you flee sexual violence?
The consequence of fleeing sexual violence is another type of force on the body, the loss of the human form — women who survive sexual violence become pregnant, and when gods are the rapists, produce a hero child.
What is the name of the goddess that carried the title Parthenos?
Main article: Parthenoi. In Greek tradition Athena carried the title Parthenos. Associated myths of the parthenoi, holy maidens dedicated to Athena , tell of her priestesses engaging in hieros gamos - sexual acts with the gods, and Athena 's outrage and punishment of the priestesses.
What was the Golden Age of Athens?
Called the Golden Age of Athens, the cultural development of the 5th century BC produced a wealth of art and drama. Froma Zeitlin writes: "We must also remember that Greek culture is one that already finds the mythic a problematic category when confronted with other modes of apprehending reality.
Persephone’s Role
- Persephone's Name
Persephone was known under many different names in Ancient Greece (see“Persephone at a Glance” for some of the byforms), but the current scholarly consensus is that all of them suggest a Pre-Greek origin of both the name and the goddess. On the other hand, the name of Persephon… - Persephone's Portrayal and Symbolism
In Classical Greek art, Persephone was portrayed as a venerable queen, almost invariably thoroughly robbed and carrying a scepter and a sheaf of wheat. When she is depicted with her mother (as it often happens), it is Demeter who typically carries the scepter and the sheaf, while …
Persephone in Other Myths
- Even though she spent most of her time in the living world, almost all of the mythsrelated to Persephone occur in the Underworld.
Persephone The Influential Queen
- Interestingly enough, Persephone differed from Herain an even more critical manner. Unlike her, she wasn’t merely Hades’ consort, but also exerted considerable authority over the Underworld.
Persephone Sources
- You can find the complete story of the abduction of Persephone in the “Homeric Hymn to Demeter” and, coupled with few other interesting transformation myths, in the fifth book of Ovid’s “Metamorphoses.” See Also: Hades, Demeter, Adonis, Pirithous, The Underworld
Who Is Persephone?
Origins
- Persephone was the result of one of Zeus’ love affairs. Her mother was Demeter and the young girl was described as shy and beautiful. She spent her days frolicking in the fields and playing in fresh streams. She was also known as Kore, which means “the maiden”.
Legends and Stories
- The main myth of Persephone tells how she became the Queen of the Underworld. It can be dived into several parts, which go as follows.
Family
- Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She was married to Hades but together, they had no children. She was a faithful wife though and in turn made sure that her husband was faithful as well. When Hades fell in love with the nymph Minthe, Persephone turned her into a mint plant so that her husband wasn’t able to have her as a lover.
Appearance
- Persephone is depicted as a beautiful young maiden with fair skin. Her face is the epitome of young beauty. She is often shown in long, flowing clothing with a wreath of flowers around her head. Having the title of the Queen of the Underworld leads some to believe her appearance is unattractive when the opposite is actually true.
Symbology
- One symbol associated with Persephone is the pomegranate. In some versions of her myth, it is said that because she consumed the seeds of a pomegranate fruit found in the Underworld, she was forced to stay there for several months of the year, resulting in cold weather and soil unable to grow crops in. She is also associated with many aspects of nature, both because she was th…