Persephone Essay

Ancient Greek mythology seeks to elucidate the complexities surrounding the many natural phenomena within the human world. The myth of Persephone is a widely known and popularized myth in Greece that offers an etiology for the cycle of the seasons. The myth entails the abduction of Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter, by Hades who claims her as his wife and queen of the Underworld. As the Goddess of Agriculture, Demeter unfolds her wrath by desolating the Earth in Persephone's absence, choosing only to reverse her action upon her daughter’s return. Various versions of the myth have been created over the years, each portraying the characters in multiple forms. Two notably different tellings of the tale are Homeric Hymn to Demeter, written

In the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, the poet does not identify Persephone as an individual, but, as an object. The poet rarely refers to Persephone by her given name and she is instead regarded as a daughter or wife. Such a display results in Persephone's portrayal as a submissive being. Consequently, Persephone's behavior impedes upon the establishment of a romantic relationship with Hades following her abduction. Persephone fails to reciprocate the feelings Hades possesses toward her and is noted when told she may depart from the Underworld. According to the author, “Persephone was filled with joy and hastily sprang up for gladness” (1). The quote exemplifies Persephone’s eagerness to leave in correlation with the lack of a romantic connection between the two. Persephone, as well as her relationship with Hades in Homeric Hymn to Demeter, significantly contrasts with the video Persephone: A Story from Greece. In the video, Persephone is bold. After her departure to the Underworld, Persephone challenges Hades, relentlessly voicing her anger and questioning his supposed love for her. However, as time passes by, a romantic relationship blossoms. As a result, when told she may return to her mother, Persephone initially refuses for her love for Hades is strong. The opposing relationships developed in both versions of the myth ultimately