Greek Mythology: Persephone

A symbol of rebirth and change, light and dark, passion and power. Persephone is well known for her ties to her husband, Hades, her mother, Demeter, and her pursuer, Zeus. But she is much more than a mere accompaniment. Goddess of Spring, Queen of the Underworld, and one of the most symbolic and complex goddesses in Greek mythology. And as Spring approaches it only seems fitting to retell her story.

Fast Facts: 

1. The name Persephone is an old Greek word, translating to “Bringer of Destruction”, referencing the goddess’s destructive nature and abrupt abduction.

2. Persephone is also associated with the name Kore meaning “The Maiden”, tying into her feminine and gentle nature. 

3. Persephone has many powers due to her divine status, some being the power to turn man into animal, control over nature, and the ability to revive the dead.

4. Her symbols include pomegranate, seeds of grain, flowers, and the deer. 

5. In ancient Greek art, Persephone is often depicted carrying grain or flowers, a torch, or a crown of flowers. She is often also accompanying Demeter or Hades.

Throughout time, Persephone has been portrayed in many major and different types of renditions and retellings. In Greek mythology, early depictions of Persephone appear in the Homeric Hymns and Theogony by Hesiod. However, some notable modern-day examples include “Lore Olympus” on Webtoon, “A Touch of Darkness" series by Scarlett St. Clair , and perhaps the most popular, the Broadway musical, Hadestown. For centuries, Persephone has been depicted in art, literature, and media due to her influential and globally revered divine status. Her name has been carried through time as a lesson of love, sacrifice, and resilience. Many people find comfort in the story of her abduction, finding solace in her found love or strength in the sacrifices she had to endure from her surroundings.

But if you take a closer look at the Goddess of Spring, peel back the hard layers of her dark red exterior and white skin, you’ll find translucent red pearls - each holding a history, a story, and a deepness and complexity that only the most patient can excavate and truly understand. So if you take the time to truly listen to her, you’ll find that Persephone is much more than a divine goddess but a lover, a leader, and a lesson we all can learn from. 

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