Persephone

In ancient Greek mythology and religion, Persephone (/pərˈsɛfəniː/ pər-SEF-ə-nee; Greek: Περσεφόνη, romanized: Persephónē), also known as Kore (/ˈkɔːriː/ KOR-ee; Greek: Κόρη, Kórē, meaning "the maiden") or Cora, is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She became queen of the underworld following her abduction by her uncle Hades, king of the underworld, who later took her as his wife.

The myth of her abduction, time in the underworld, and cyclical return to the surface symbolizes her role as the embodiment of spring and personification of vegetation, particularly grain crops, which disappear when planted, emerge from the earth in spring, and are harvested at maturity. Classical Greek art consistently depicts Persephone in robes, often carrying a sheaf of grain. While sometimes portrayed as a mystical divinity holding a scepter and small box, she most frequently appears being carried away by Hades.

Persephone and her mother Demeter were the central figures of the Eleusinian Mysteries, which promised initiates a blessed afterlife. Though the origins of her worship remain uncertain, it developed from ancient agrarian cults of farming communities. In Athens, mysteries celebrated during the month of Anthesterion were dedicated to her. The city of Locri Epizephyrii in modern Calabria (southern Italy) was renowned for its cult of Persephone, where she was venerated as a goddess of marriage and childbirth.

Her name appears in several historical variants, including Persephassa (Περσεφάσσα) and Persephatta (Περσεφάττα). In Latin, she is called Proserpina. Romans identified her with the Italic goddess Libera, who became conflated with Proserpina. Myths resembling Persephone's descent and return to earth also appear in the cults of male deities, including Attis, Adonis, and Osiris, as well as in Minoan Crete.