Persephone is the goddess of spring and summer, and the Queen of the Underworld. She is often pictured with pomegranate seeds and deer.
Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She was beautiful and joyful, and was often out in the fields picking flowers and enjoying nature. One day, she was picking narcissus flowers by the water’s edge when a great chariot raced out of the earth, carrying Hades. Hades stopped just long enough to grab Persephone and throw her into his chariot. The earth opened again and the chariot disappeared into the Underworld.
Persephone was so depressed when she reached the Underworld that she refused to eat or drink. However, as time went on, Hades began to win her over, and she became accustomed to her surroundings. Yet, she knew that how she was taken was wrong, and she knew her mother would be worried sick about her, so she continued her fast. Meanwhile, Demeter was so enraged at her daughter’s kidnapping that she went to Zeus, but found he had a new thunderbolt, courtesy of Hades. Demeter refused to allow anything to grow, causing famine on the earth below. Zeus finally persuaded his brother to allow Persephone to leave on one condition: that she hadn’t eaten anything while in the Underworld. Unfortunately, just that morning she quickly snuck six pomegranate seeds when no one was looking. Zeus pronounced that Persephone must spend six months in the Underworld, and she can spend the other six on earth. During her time in the Underworld, Demeter does not allow vegetation to grow as she anxiously awaits her daughter’s return. This accounts for the four seasons each year, and the spring and summer vegetation upon Persephone’s return.
The Sirens were supposed to be Persephone’s protectors, but after her kidnapping, Demeter cursed them and banished them to the sea. Their songs often include lyrics of lament and longing for Persephone to return to earth.
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Parents
Zeus and Demeter
Notable Myths
- Kidnapping by Hades
- Demeter’s Revenge
- Sirens
Domain
- Spring and Summer
- The Underworld
Symbols / Attributes
- Pomegranate or Pomegranate Seeds
- Flowers
- Deer
Be sure to check out the lesson plans on the Olympians!
How Tos about Persephone: Greek Goddess
Engage students with a myth retelling activity on Persephone
Invite students to create their own versions of the Persephone myth using storytelling, art, or drama. This helps deepen understanding and encourages creativity while connecting myth to personal expression.
Facilitate group research on Persephone’s role in Greek mythology
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group to research a different aspect of Persephone’s story, such as her family, her significance in the seasons, or her appearance in art. This promotes collaboration and critical thinking.
Guide students in comparing Persephone to other mythological figures
Encourage students to find similarities and differences between Persephone and other figures in various mythologies. This broadens their perspective and reinforces cross-cultural connections.
Integrate visual aids to illustrate Persephone’s story
Use pictures, diagrams, or comics to map out key events in Persephone’s myth. Visuals help students grasp complex ideas quickly and make learning more engaging.
Assess student understanding with creative exit tickets
Have students write or draw a quick summary of what they learned about Persephone before leaving class. This provides immediate feedback and helps reinforce key concepts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Persephone: Greek Goddess
Who is Persephone in Greek mythology?
Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter in Greek mythology. She is known as the queen of the Underworld after being taken by Hades, and is also the goddess of spring and vegetation.
Why is Persephone important in Greek myths?
Persephone is important because her story explains the changing seasons. Her time in the Underworld causes winter, while her return brings spring and growth.
What is the myth of Persephone and Hades?
The myth tells how Hades abducted Persephone to be his wife in the Underworld. Her mother, Demeter, grieved and stopped the harvest, leading to the first winter. Persephone's yearly return to Earth marks the start of spring.
How is Persephone related to the seasons?
Ancient Greeks believed that Persephone's time in the Underworld caused winter because Demeter mourned her absence. When Persephone returned, Demeter rejoiced and the earth flourished, creating spring and summer.
What symbols are associated with Persephone?
Persephone is often symbolized by pomegranates, flowers, and torches. These represent her roles as the goddess of spring, queen of the Underworld, and the cycle of life and death.
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