Lesson 5

• Who are the main characters in the myth of Hades and Persephone?

  Hades and Persephone
• What is Hades known as in Greek mythology?

  He is the god of the underworld
• Who is Persephone's mother?

  Demeter
• What does the myth of Hades and Persephone represent?

  It is a myth of love and abduction
• What did Hades do to Persephone in the myth?

  He kidnapped her
• How did Hades manage to kidnap Persephone?

  He conspired with Zeus to trap her while she was gathering flowers
• What was the role of Zeus in the kidnapping of Persephone?

  Zeus helped Hades concoct a plan to trap Persephone
• What happened to Persephone after she was kidnapped?

  She was taken to the Underworld and became Hades' wife
• How did Persephone feel about her situation in the Underworld initially?

  She was very unhappy
• What changed Persephone's feelings towards Hades over time?


  She eventually came to love him
• What is a different version of the myth regarding Demeter's involvement?

  Demeter was present when Persephone was kidnapped but was tricked by Zeus and Hades
• Who were the Nereids and Naiads in the myth?

  They were sea and freshwater nymphs that Persephone played with
• What was the purpose of the flower Narcissus in the myth?

  It was planted by Gaia to enchant Persephone and attract her away from her companions
• What happened when Persephone tried to pluck the narcissus flower?

  The ground opened up, and Hades kidnapped her
• Who tried to rescue Persephone during her kidnapping?

  The naiad Cyane
• What did Demeter do when she found out Persephone was missing?

  She cursed the nymphs and searched for her daughter
• How did Demeter's actions affect the nymphs?

  She cursed them to become sirens
• What did Demeter do to search for Persephone?

  She disguised herself and roamed the Earth for nine days and nights
• Who did Demeter meet on the tenth day of her search?

  Hekate
• What did Hekate advise Demeter to do?


  To seek help from Helios, the sun god
• What did Helios reveal to Demeter?

  He told her that Hades had taken Persephone to the Underworld
• What compromise was reached regarding Persephone's time in the Underworld?

  She would spend six months on Earth and six months in the Underworld
• What consequence did Persephone face for eating the pomegranate seeds?

  She was doomed to return to the Underworld for four months each year
• How does the myth of Hades and Persephone explain the seasons?

  Persephone's return to Earth signifies spring, while her descent to Hades signifies winter
• What were the Elefsinian rites in ancient Greece?


  They were festivals celebrating the disappearance and return of Persephone
• What significance do some experts attribute to the Elefsinian rites?

  They may have fostered the idea of a more perfect life after death
• How did the myth of Hades and Persephone influence later beliefs?

  It helped lay the groundwork for the coming of Christianity, which upholds the idea of everlasting life
• Who is Hades in Greek mythology?

  Hades is the God of the Underworld.
• How is Hades often perceived in relation to Hell?

  Hades is often equated with Hell, which is seen as a place of eternal torment.
• What is the significance of Persephone in the story of Hades?

  Persephone's story explains the change of seasons and her dual role as the Queen of Hades.
• What happens to Persephone during the winter months?

  Persephone stays in the Underworld with Hades during the winter.
• Why does Persephone have to stay in Hades?


  She must stay because she ate pomegranate seeds, which binds her to the Underworld.
• How does the story of Hades and Persephone reflect societal views on women?

  The story reflects the transition of a girl into womanhood and the societal expectations of women in ancient times.
• Who is Thanatos in Greek mythology?

  Thanatos is the God of Death.
• What is the difference between Hades and Thanatos?

  Hades rules over the dead, while Thanatos brings death to the living.
• How does the myth of Hades and Persephone explain the seasons?

  The myth explains that Persephone's time in the Underworld corresponds to winter, while her time on Earth corresponds to spring and summer.
• What does the pomegranate symbolize in the myth of Hades and Persephone?

  The pomegranate symbolizes the bond between Persephone and Hades, as well as the cycle of life and death.
• How does the story of Hades and Persephone differ from contemporary views on relationships?

  The story reflects ancient norms of abduction and forced marriage, contrasting with modern views on consent and partnership.
• What is the role of Demeter in the myth of Hades and Persephone?

  Demeter is Persephone's mother, who mourns her absence during the winter months.
• How does the myth of Hades and Persephone reflect the concept of duality in life?


  The myth illustrates the duality of life and death, as well as the cyclical nature of seasons.