Persephone: Queen of the Underworld
Persephone was one of the most important Goddesses in ancient Greece, and she is still revered by modern-day Pagans, especially Dianic Wiccans. Her story explains the seasons, the barrenness of winter, and the fertility of spring. Despite her importance, she is a Goddess that is misunderstood and even overlooked. In ancient times, her cult honored her and her mother, often combining the two, generically honoring “The Goddesses.” Persephone is often defined, not as herself, but by her relations (her mother, or her husband). However, her story reveals that she is a powerful Goddess of her own who has the ability to transform.
Persephone’s story is well known, but many versions of it exist. The version I regard …show more content…
For example, some contemporary Dianic Wiccans rewrite the Persephone story to suggest that Persephone willingly went to the Underworld because she heard the cries of the dead and wanted to help them. Although there is nothing wrong with rewriting a sacred story, they overlook the agency that Persephone has, as it is described in the original story. Tamara Agha-Jaffar argues that Persephone transforms her status from victim to queen when she willingly takes Hades’ offer of pomegranate seeds. Agha-Jaffar points out that the hymn describes her as “wise” before she takes the seeds, indicating that she has full knowledge of what she is doing. She only eats the seeds after Hades reminds her that she will be queen if she consents to stay. Persephone was in a bind. She was wanted by the king of the Underworld and her mother. She could not say no to either one. She had no agency. But when Hades was faced with the truth, that Demeter had greater power to compel Zeus than he did, he attempted to bargain with Persephone instead. By taking Hades’ offer, Persephone is able to escape her mother’s shadow without causing her anguish, but she is also able to assert her right to be a full partner with Hades, not his victim. So, she “transcends her victim status and becomes the powerful and empowered queen of the underworld” (Agha-Jaffar
Persephone was one of the most important Goddesses in ancient Greece, and she is still revered by modern-day Pagans, especially Dianic Wiccans. Her story explains the seasons, the barrenness of winter, and the fertility of spring. Despite her importance, she is a Goddess that is misunderstood and even overlooked. In ancient times, her cult honored her and her mother, often combining the two, generically honoring “The Goddesses.” Persephone is often defined, not as herself, but by her relations (her mother, or her husband). However, her story reveals that she is a powerful Goddess of her own who has the ability to transform.
Persephone’s story is well known, but many versions of it exist. The version I regard …show more content…
For example, some contemporary Dianic Wiccans rewrite the Persephone story to suggest that Persephone willingly went to the Underworld because she heard the cries of the dead and wanted to help them. Although there is nothing wrong with rewriting a sacred story, they overlook the agency that Persephone has, as it is described in the original story. Tamara Agha-Jaffar argues that Persephone transforms her status from victim to queen when she willingly takes Hades’ offer of pomegranate seeds. Agha-Jaffar points out that the hymn describes her as “wise” before she takes the seeds, indicating that she has full knowledge of what she is doing. She only eats the seeds after Hades reminds her that she will be queen if she consents to stay. Persephone was in a bind. She was wanted by the king of the Underworld and her mother. She could not say no to either one. She had no agency. But when Hades was faced with the truth, that Demeter had greater power to compel Zeus than he did, he attempted to bargain with Persephone instead. By taking Hades’ offer, Persephone is able to escape her mother’s shadow without causing her anguish, but she is also able to assert her right to be a full partner with Hades, not his victim. So, she “transcends her victim status and becomes the powerful and empowered queen of the underworld” (Agha-Jaffar