The Pomegranate Seeds

The Greek Olympians were always famous for their myths from the scandalous love affairs of Aphrodite and Zeus to the inferno vengeful rages of Hera and Artemis, however no tale is greater nor more intriguing than the tale of Hades and Persephone.


Hades, the shadowy Lord of the Underworld was never a social god, neither was he a god who enjoyed the warm golden rays of the sunlight and the melodic sounds of laughter and cheer. Granted this could be due to the fact that after he and his brothers drew lots to see who would rule which domain he was settled with the Underworld after which he rarely took absence due to looking after the deceased and the happenings of Tartarus and the Elysian fields.


Spending many millennia ruling the Underworld with only the company of Cerbus, his three-headed guard dog, Hades began to grow lonely before falling into a depression he was in need of company, someone to talk to or to… love perhaps?


Deciding that he had enough of brooding for one day the shadowy lord had a strange thought, one which would have taken him completely by surprise if not for the unusual manner in which he has been feeling as of late. Hades decided that he would go to the surface in a means of clearing his head, he needed a change in his life and a change of scenery was most certainly the best place to begin, was it not?.


Off the coast of the mainland on a small island dwelled Demeter, the goddess of the Harvest a gentle, caring deity compared of course with her sisters. She did not indulge in the passionate love affairs like Aphrodite nor did she explode with venomous rages like Hera. No Demeter was not like her sisters, but she did possess a fiery spirit like that of all the gods, her effort went into two things; preparing for the season of harvest, growing and fertilising the crops so that when they are ripe that they will be large, tasteful and full of nutrients . Secondly and most importantly, her young daughter Persephone.

Whilst Persephone was not conceived in a nature which was not welcomed by Demeter, that did not dampen the love she possessed for the young girl. Persephone was the apple of her eye but Demeter was not foolish she was concerned for Persephone grew more and more beautiful with each day. No doubt that she would be sought after by suitors Demeter feared for her, she wanted to keep her for herself. But Demeter was also as cunning as she was caring; she knew that Persephone would soon be of legal age to dwell where she wished.  That was not a risk Demeter was willing to take, however to her advantage


Persephone was a young goddess  and had not yet be assigned a 'title' therefore she had to obey the wishes of her mother. Therefore the longer she postponed assigning her duty, the more time she got to spend with her.


Persephone for once was left to her own devices as Demeter had to attend a council meeting high on Mount Olympus. She aimlessly and restlessly wandered through her own private garden. She knew the workings of the island inside and out, she was bored with it. Why was her mother so overprotecting? Thinking she was some delicate little flower that could be crushed by a gust of wind. She was stronger than that! She just needed a chance to prove herself somehow, if only the opportunity would present itself to her.

Unaware to the young blooming goddess an opportunity was not far from her, as a matter of fact an opportunity was within a quite close range. However one might argue that it might not be the right sort of opportunity for her. Hades, the dark Lord had took his own initiative and had dwelled to the land of the living, however a garden called out to him, a twisted and surreal place with uncommon trees, dark pale flowers and where only a select few rays of sunlight had managed to peek their way through the upper canopy of the trees. Whilst admiring this whimsical place he could hear footsteps approach, not out of fear but out of curiosity the dark lord hid himself amongst the bushes intrigued as to who would dwell in such a place.

So it was hidden amongst the dark thick bushes did he catch a small glimpse of the pale sun kissed skin of a girl, the red fiery curls of hair that looked so soft he was sure it was made of silk, and finally he saw a face, a face so beautiful that if he had a heart he was sure it would have stopped, a face so perfect that he was certain that it would belong to him and him alone. This girl was a diamond in the rough, and he was a man who did not like to share.

Persephone was unaware that she was being observed, rather her attention was taken by a small sprout of flowers that where currently being tended to by the young goddess who had a knack for growing flowers, particularity those of an unusual nature. She sighed once finishing with them, sitting down on the dry, cool grass. "this is ridiculous" she muttered angrily to herself "how can she keep me locked away here every day of the year, I am old enough to make decisions for myself I'm not a child anymore!" clenching her fists she gripped the fabric of her dress, an urge to rip it in frustration welled up from within but she restrained herself. What use would it be to act in anger?

From his hiding place Hades smirked dangerously, a plan already formulating in his head. Emerging from his hiding place the shadowy god decided it was time to make his presence known "you know" he mused in a soft voice which sounded as if it had not been used in quite some time "it seems to me that you are in need of an endeavour" he smiled down at the goddess who had jumped from her place and stood cautiously staring at him, feet rooted to the ground.

Not fully sure what to make of her silence Hades pressed on, moving closer to the girl "a little youthful rebellion is often a good thing, it builds character. Not to mention it shows a sense of… maturity, being able to look after oneself" he trailed off now standing less than a foot away from the young beauty whose expression changed from fear to cautious curiosity.

"it.. does?" she finally spoke, her voice as lovely as her appearance. Hades smiled a smirk reminiscent to that of a cheshire cat. Holding out his hand he held it hovering it in front of her "I am Hades, lord of the Underworld, ruler of the five rivers and realms and master of death…" he hesitated slightly before continuing "what name do they give you?" he inquired. Persephone stared at the offered hand seeming to make a decision before slowly taking it "I am Persephone, daughter of Demeter" she answered not quite smiling but not quite as cautious as before.

Hades gasped at the warmth that spread through his icy veins, using whatever little amount of self-restraint he owned he kept himself from taking the girl on the spot. He closed his eyes for a moment, composing himself as he brought the girls hand to his lips, lightly grazing it. He could not simply take her there, that would cause complications on his behalf, it often worked out better when one willingly entered the underworld.
They rarely left that way…

Releasing her hand Hades took a step closer to Persephone who forgot to take a step back, instead arching her neck up to better look at Hades. "you seek an adventure" he commented softly to which Persephone nodded finding herself staring into his eyes, she seemed almost like a mouse which had got caught in the penetrating stare of a venomous snake. "I  can offer you an adventure, the underworld is a vast mysterious place with many opportunities" a somewhat dangerous smirk planted itself on his pale face,

Persephone found herself frowning ever so slightly, caught between the feeling that she should turn and run to seek assistance from the Nymphs that guarded the island.. or to take a chance with Hades, she craved an adventure and she was so desperate to leave the island.Her green eyes glanced downwards as his hand once again hovered above her, inviting the young goddess to take it, "won't you take an opportunity Persephone?"

And the young goddess found herself once more grasping the pale ice-cold hand which closed over hers like a vice.

Up on Mount Olympus Demeter had a feeling of… unease wash over her at some point during the council meeting, it was either when Zeus was talking about putting his face on the drachma coins or making a 'Zeus Day' holiday in which he could partake in various 'entertaining activities' down in earth. She hastily made her way back to the island calling out for her daughter, with each call and with each time getting no response the harvest goddess grew more and more frantic. Finally venturing into Persephone's own private garden she was horrified when she came across a patch of once fresh grass which had been scorched, a few strands still flickering with a small flame.

Her daughter had been taken.

Persephone began to regret her haste decision, not because of the presence of Hades no she did not fear him, she was quite intrigued by him. Her fear began to stir at the sight of the Underworld, or rather the lack of sight. Even in the darkest of nights Persephone could not recall a blackness quite like this, there was always the pale illumination of the moonlight, or the faint twinkling of stars. This place in which she had been taken, there was no warmth only a chill cold. Even the faintly glowing torches did not shine any warmth on her skin. She nervously gripped onto Hades' cloak, an action which greatly pleased him.

He was a god of fear for it gave him a morbid satisfaction, however with Persephone he did not want her to fear him. Well, not completely at least, "do not fear death, for death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity" his tone was soft; a caress almost as if he thought that death was a beautiful misunderstood thing. Persephone stared up at the taller deity a surprised and almost alarmed expression on her youthful features, however it soon calmed down as she almost seemed to understand what he was trying to say, what he felt for death was what she felt for life the beauty of the new-borns, the sprouting of flowers, the soft melodic songs of spring. So it was that she then looked towards the dreary  still realm and found that she was no longer afraid, in its own way she supposed that it was… nice.

Demeter was frantic; she had searched all over her island with no sign of her daughter other than the scorched earth. Panicked she took off for the mainland to continue her search becoming more and more dishevelled and less and less like her usual self. She refused to rest, she refused to eat not stopping until she had found her daughter! But the thing was she had not found her, it was as if she had been snatched from the very face of the earth.

Meanwhile Persephone had been shown around the Underworld, the five rivers, two out of the three realms and had even played a round of games with Cerbus the faithful three-headed hound of Hades. After several hours Persephone was tired, breathless and laughing, a sound that had never echoed off the stone chilled walls of the Underworld. "what a glorious day!" she exclaimed spinning on the spot, earning herself a bewildered but nonetheless serene look from the Lord of Death "It pleases me that you enjoy yourself and no doubt that you will continue to do so" this caused Persephone to pause, staring up at hades "oh but I must return now, mother will have returned and will no doubt be worried sick"

Hades stiffened for a moment, keeping his tongue in check. Instead he smiled a strange smile "but of course, how foolish of me… yes let us return you to your mother" taking a hold of her hand the shadowy lord concentrated for a moment, Persephone herself closing her eyes preparing for the rush that followed when one disappeared.. except that it never came. Puzzled she peeked open one eye to see that her suspicion was in fact right and they had not moved from the spot! Hades glanced around as well "oh my…" he mused releasing his grasp on the girl, turning away from her "what's happened?" The young goddess asked in a nervous tone. Hades smirked before turning  back to her "it would seem… that you cannot leave" "what.." it was no more than a whisper "no… no you brought me here, you… YOU MUST TAKE ME BACK!" she exclaimed in a panicked shriek "I'm sorry" he crooned in a tone that suggested that he was not sorry in the slightest "once the living join the dead, they cannot leave" Persephone shook her head, helpless tears trailing down her cheeks.


Frowning Hades took a step towards her, hand outstretched to comfort her but the flame haired beauty took off running, her heart broken sobs echoing off the walls back to the cause of her dilemma who stood still on the spot, hand still outstretched before it curled back into a fist, his expression remained solemn, he convinced himself that he was in the right. It was a small price to pay for his own salvation.

Days had passed, Persephone had locked herself away and refused to leave, much less talk to Hades who was desperately trying to please her, so miserable where the pair that the land of the dead began to become more depressing than usual.

However the land of the living was not far behind…

For nine days Demeter searched the earth, nine days she ignored her duties as the goddess of harvest and the crops, her misery was growing and the earth began to turn bleak. She was standing near the ledge of a cliff, staring out into the sea, barely a shadow of her former self. Demeter was desperate she needed her daughter back and she needed her back as soon as possible! She was almost out of options, she had only one choice left and that was to seek the help of Helios "if anyone could have seen it would be him" she concluded quietly to herself before setting off in search of Helios who was created by Apollo to watch over the sun, he eternally rides beside it guiding it on it's path of rising and setting with the day because being so high in the sky granted him a view of all the happenings of the earth.

When the sun had begun to set and thus was in distance of the earth did Demeter finally manage to reach Helios who looked nervous as if he had anticipated the harvest goddess' visit "tell me, you pass the earth every day, you shine high above the grass and the sea, you are able to see the happenings of man and god alike" Helios nodded mutely, staring at his feet. Demeter's stare hardened, her voice harsh and desperate "then tell me, what has happened to my daughter to my dear Persephone!?" she gripped onto his tunic almost tearing it off him. The personification of the sun god rose his hands in alarm trying to pry her off for her knew what had happened and he also knew how the former cheerful and caring goddess would react. "Yes… yes I saw what happened" he mumbled before swallowing as his eyes met hers "when you left for the high council meeting, your island had an unwelcomed visitor" he explained before continuing on to inform her how Hades had taken Persephone to the Underworld, for although he could see what had happened he could not hear what had been said.

Enraged that Hades had dare kidnap her daughter and even more infuriated that Zeus had let this happen under his watch Demeter let out a shriek of fury before disappearing to Mount Olympus, appearing before Zeus.

The god of gods was not expecting the sudden appearance of Demeter and let out a cry of surprised when she appeared before him unrecognisable and shaking with rage causing the brown bearded god to recoil on his seat "bring her back Zeus" she spat, her fists clenching so tight that they turned white. "w-who back?" he whispered anxiously though he already had a hunch of whom Demeter was talking about, for who else could it be that she cared so much about "PERSEPHONE!" she shrieked "UNDER YOUR WATCH DID HADES APPEAR AND TAKE HER TO THAT WRECHED UNDERWORLD!" Zeus swallowed "well… cir..circumstances being what they are Demeter.. I… we…. It's not that simple.." "I don't care if it's a matter of re-aligning the entire cosmos Zeus! I want my daughter back!" Zeus stood from his throne becoming desperate "you know the law!" he bellowed in despair "if she has as so much taken a mouthful of food from that place she cannot leave!"

Demeter remained silent for several moments before speaking in a quiet tone "you will return her Zeus" she glared pointing a finger at her brother "until she is returned to me my grief will spread, no plants will grow, no crops will bear fruit, animals will starve and famine will spread.. such is the curse of an unhappy mother"


Not wanting disaster and famine to spread through the earth Zeus thought long and hard of a plan to get Persephone back to Demeter, if she had not eaten she would not be bound to Hades, but his brother was selfish and did not like to give away or share his 'toys'… but if he could be persuaded otherwise…. And then the perfect plan struck the lightning lord! Hermes, he could do it! For if there was any god who possessed a sharp wit and tongue it was the messenger god himself, not to mention being the messenger god he could freely travel to and from the Underworld! With a triumphant grin Zeus called Hermes before him.

Hades meanwhile was pacing in his throne room, he was feeling anxious for Persephone had not left her room since she departed there almost ten days ago, she had refused to let him in, she had not answered his callings to her… she had not eaten. It was the latter that had really concerned him, for if she where to eat the food of the dead she would then be truly bound to him for all eternity, unable to leave. It was the lord of death's final insurance over the young deity.

Sighing he sat himself down on his throne, sitting in silence before a voice broke through the darkness "really like what you've done with the place Hades, little bit of western décor and Russian cathedrals, nice and gloomy. Bit of 'hopelessness' washing through" Hermes was floating in the air above him, hands relaxing behind his head. "What do you want?" snapped Hades in an irritated tone one hand rubbing at his temple "well aren't we in an even more pleasant mood than usual" Hermes mused sarcastically before bringing himself to the ground. "Zeus sent me down for the girl" the smaller of the pair informed, keeping his eyes on the god of death who seemed to go unnaturally still, when he didn't respond Hermes pressed on "she's needed upstairs, Demeter's gone on a 'mothering rampage' the plants are dying and the people aren't far behind, she needs to return to the mortal world"

Hades continued to remain silent, staring off into the distance causing Hermes to sigh in agitation but before he could make another comment he felt a large pale hand suddenly and tightly close over his throat, knocking the air out of him. Hades stood holding the god of messengers in mid-air glaring with more fire burning within him than the golden haired deity had seen in a long time. "she will not leave, she cannot leave Hermes I won't allow it! What use is it to death if people are dying?!" his grip tightened and Hermes struggled to try and pry his hands off " I love her Hermes!" he spoke harshly causing the gasping god to cease struggling and stare at him in disbelief "y-you love her?" he croaked earning a sharp nod in response "but… but Hades… does she return your affections?"

Hades continued to glare for a few moments longer before his expression fell and his grip loosened causing his fellow god to collapse onto the ground coughing and regaining his breath "she's miserable Hades, this place is even more of a ghost town than normal! and even death needs life or else everything will come to a standstill!" He stared determined up at Hades who sighed heavily, shoulders slumping "you're right… she must leave.." he seemed defeated and helpless, not at all like his usual self, Hermes almost felt sorry for him "return tonight Hermes, allow me to say farewell to her." Nodding his consent Hermes departed, missing the dangerous gleam that shone in Hades' dark eyes.

Hades was desperate, he had found his match and she would be snatched to him, it was time to play his insurance. Making his way to her quarters carrying a small black wicker basket covered by a blanket he knocked on the door "Persephone, Persephone I come with good news" he paused for a moment before the door creaked open, a pale almost sickly face peeking out at him. She had not eaten in ten days, not cared for herself and stood broken before him. Still Hades reasoned, still even at this state his blood quickened it's pace around her. "what is it?" she whispered, Hades smiled tucking a strand of hair behind her hair "I have consulted with Hermes, he will be able to return you to your mother and is coming tonight" Persephone stood silent for a moment before a smile spread across her pale face and she exploded into joyous tears "thank you! Oh thank you Hades!" she exclaimed throwing her arms around him.

Hades was caught off guard by the act and was uncertain how to respond, settling for petting her twice on the head "he is coming tonight and… well I was hoping that you would grace me with your company for a… farewell picnic?" he gestured down to the black withered basket that he held. Persephone looked from the tall lord down to the small basket, she nodded smiling warmly "yes, yes of course I will" "then I leave you to ready yourself my sweet" he smiled, taking her hand from him and giving it a small peck.
Persephone later returned looking refreshed once more, though still remarkably pale. Hades had set out a small picnic consisting of a pomegranate fruit and sweet wine, there were several small candles that cast a pale glow around the pair. Hades halved the fruit and watch Persephone with interest as she lapped up the red juices before sucking on the fruit, swallowing the seeds as well which caused Hades to smirk as he too bit down into his share of the fruit.
Several hours later Hermes returned and took Persephone, who thanked Hades for his kindness which in turn caused Hermes to ask if she had been swimming in the river Lethe. Still though Hades watched them depart before making his way back to his throne room smirking as his plan began to take action.

Becoming joyous as the golden rays of sunlight once more graced her skin Persephone could hardly wait till she would be once more in the presence of her mother, whom Hermes informed her would be waiting up on Mount Olympus along with the other gods to check her condition after this ordeal. Soon enough the pair arrived at Mount Olympus and were greeted by joyous cheers for Persephone was now back which would mean that mankind would no longer perish!.

Not missing a moment Demeter engulfed her daughter in a hug sobbing with relief, however it was short lived as the taller woman stiffened and looked down at her daughter in horror "you… you have eaten the food of the dead!" she accused with panic, for she had just gotten her child back and if she were to be bound to the underworld she could never see her again. Persephone looked shocked "but.. but it was only a pomegranate fruit! Only half!" but Demeter wailed in despair, Zeus took it upon himself to intervene "Persephone my child, the law clearly states that whomever has eaten the fruit of the dead is bound to the underworld for all time there is nothing we can do, you must return" Persephone stood in shock, she had been tricked! Hades so called kindness was nothing more than selfish ploys to get her to stay with him.

"WAIT!" shrieked Demeter holding onto her daughter "I APPOINT HER TITLE!", a series of gasps and confused heads all turned to look at the harvest goddess who stared unblinking up at Zeus "She is of age now Zeus… and can be appointed a title! I hereby give her the duty of the birth! Bringing life to the crops that die when she leaves me!" this caused the other gods and goddesses to murmur amongst themselves, for how could this work out? If Persephone is to leave then mankind shall Perish but she is bound to Hades now so what could be done?

It was Zeus who came forth with a proposal "Demeter, Persephone" he looked at the two deities "it is from now forth that for 6 months of the cycle Persephone shall stay with Hades, during which mankind will harvest and stock on his crops however when those six months are gone she will return to cause the new crops to grow and such this cycle shall be for now and always!" his thunderous voice echoed across the sky and could be heard throughout the earth.

Even from the underworld Hades smirked in his throne, for it was a good a bargain as he could have hoped for, yes Persephone would be angry at him at first, but he would win her over. After all they have all time and eternity to get to know one another.