Queen of the Underworld, Maiden of Spring
Demeter’s daughter, who became Queen of the Underworld after Hades carried her off. Because she ate six pomegranate seeds, she spends half of each year below and half above. Her coming and going is the turning of the seasons: mother and daughter reunited is spring and summer; the mother’s longing is autumn and winter.
By the law of the underworld, whoever eats its food may not leave. Before releasing her, Hades "kindly" offered a pomegranate; Persephone ate six seeds, and so must spend six months below each year. A single snack decided the seasons for all humankind.
As Queen of the Underworld, Persephone did not spend her days weeping. She sat the throne beside Hades and judged the dead; when Orpheus came pleading, it was she who was moved first by his music. In legend her rule was strict, and even heroes gave her a wide berth.
Below are how modern works borrow or reinterpret this name or story — not the original material. The two differ, so keep them apart.
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