Persephone And Hades Research Paper

Innocence, desire, and obsession are all facets of the myth of Persephone and Hades. The arranged abduction that took place broke a divine mother’s heart enough to affect the course of life on Earth forever. Persephone, or commonly called Core, meaning “the maiden,” was sought after by Hades, ruler of the underworld (Persephone 1). He was smitten with her youth and beauty, but her mother, Demeter refused to let him have her hand in marriage (Persephone, Queen of the Underworld 1). The drastic measures that Hades would take to ensure Persephone’s hand in marriage would become known as The Abduction of Persephone. Zeus, who was Persephone’s father and Hades’ brother, would aid in the kidnapping of his own daughter (U*X*L Encyclopedia of World
Demeter was unaware of the events that took place in her daughter’s abduction and was oblivious to the people who had helped carry out the plan. She knew that Hades wanted her beloved daughter’s hand in marriage, but she rejected his offer and said that he hadn’t the slightest chance (Persephone, Queen of the Underworld 1). When Hades eventually had his way, Demeter absolutely lost it. She neglected her responsibilities, and consequently, all crops withered and died. With no crops on earth, Zeus feared that the human race would die out, so he begged her to restore life to the earth. Demeter was so determined to get Persephone back that she refused to do so until she had her precious child returned to her (U*X*L Encyclopedia of World Mythology 824). Helios, the sun god, sees everything, so he was responsible for telling Demeter what had happened to her daughter. He tried convincing the goddess that it wasn’t such a terrible thing for Persephone to be Queen of the Underworld, but Demeter didn’t comply. In an effort to please both Hades and Demeter, Zeus said that if it was proven that Persephone was there against her will, she would be allowed to return to her mother. Hades heard news of the deal, so he began to think of a scheme that would force Persephone to stay with him (Persephone, Queen of the Underworld
Demeter’s despair explained the barren, lifeless months of winter; while her joy was expressed through the fruitful, lively months of spring and summer (Persephone, Queen of the Underworld 6). In addition to representing the cycles of fertility on earth, Persephone represents lost innocence. The pomegranate’s sweet appearance represents temptation, and when she submits to that temptation, she is bound to the underworld forever (U*X*L Encyclopedia of World Mythology 825). Even though the myth is fictitious, it has proved to stand the test of time and be one of the most iconic Greek