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"Persephone"

By N.S. Gill, About.com

Persephone Greek Goddess

Persephone

ArtToday

Definition: Persephone was the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. While she was playing, Persephone was abducted by Hades who had come for her in a chariot. He quickly and secretly dragged her down to his kingdom, where she stayed unwillingly, refusing to eat. Finally, after Persephone's mother Demeter persuaded Zeus to make Hades return her daughter to her, Persephone relaxed and ate a bit (a few pomegranate seeds). Because of this, Persephone was compelled to spend part of her life there with Hades. During this time, Demeter mourns, and so, Earth experiences winter. When Persephone returns, it becomes spring.

Examples: The name Persephone may come from words meaning Sheaf-Beater, according to Sauvage Noble - Persephone, which explains the etymology.

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