Persephone - Queen of the Underworld
Persephone was the daughter of Demeter (fertility goddess of the earth) and later queen of the underworld in Greek mythology. She was so beautiful that her mother attempted to keep her hidden from the eyes of gods and men. However, while picking flowers, Persephone caught the eye of Hades, god of the Underworld.
Hades abducted Persephone and brought her to the Underworld. Demeter searched the earth for her lost daughter but could find no trace of her and began starving the earth so the other gods would do something to help her. Word quickly traveled to Zeus that Hades was holding Persephone (or in some versions, Zeus already knew and had aided Hades in the kidnapping) and he demanded the goddess be returned to her mother.
Not wanting to part from his new queen, Hades tricked Persephone into eating Pomegranate seeds, which caused her to be bound to the underworld. Persephone was allowed to return to her mother for half of each year, but would always have to return to Hades.
Demeter starves the earth during the part of the year while she mourns her daughter, causing the annual changing seasons.
Image: The Rape of Persephone by Christoph Schwartz
Notes: Persephone was requested by wretchedsilence.
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