sobota 27. februára 2010

THE STORY BEHIND SPRING



The Return of Persephone, Frederic Leighton 1891



Ancient civilizations seem to have the answer for everything, even the seasons. Why is there a difference in seasons? Why is there spring?
 
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The child for whom Demeter had unconditional love was Persephone – her daughter with Zeus. She is also known as the Goddess of Grain and Spring because while still young, she has accompanied her mother on Earth to make sure that there is abundant vegetation for all mankind. Both attractive and amiable, it did not take long until Hades, the God of the Underworld, heard of her, thought of making her his queen and abducted her. Demeter tried to follow Persephone, until it was too late. Eventually, Hades and her daughter were already in the underworld where no other god was allowed to go.
°Demeter was angry and went to Zeus to ask for his help. But instead of getting comfort, she got more furious when she learned that Zeus allowed Hades to kidnap Persephone. Not expecting a quick and fair resolution to her misery, Demeter went down to Earth dressed like an old woman, stopped the crops from growing causing hunger and drought.
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Demeter wandered through the dying earth searching for her daughter.Eventually, Persephone was restored to her mother for part of each year, and with Demeter's joy, Spring came again.
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The moment when Persephone leaves for the Underworld, the leaves fallout from the trees and the earth dries out. So when we welcome the coming of the spring, that means another thing – Persephone is once again reunited with Demeter.

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12 komentárov:

  1. ja, ich liebe diese story from ancient Greek mythology... danke for sharing, Viera. Wie geht's?

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  2. wow Michael...did you start to learn German...Great ...Ich bin sehr glücklich Dich wiedersehen...Es geht...

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  3. Thanks Viera, I like ancient Greek mythology very much,
    and that story is really very nice. Have a pleasant evening.

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  4. Glad you like it as well Regina...Some of them are very nice...I fully agree with you...Wishing you great weekend...

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  5. The world of Greek mythology is full of wonders and it always fascinates me. I knew a slightly different version... The God of the Underworld once saw Persephone and fell deeply in love with her. In order to win her over, the God asked for help from his brother Zeus. Together they concocted a plan to trap Persephone. Making it short.. There was a lake embowered in woods which screened from the warm rays of the sun, while the moist ground was covered with flowers and Persephone was playing there... since then, Spring reigns perpetual..... How interesting the world of mythology is, don't you agree! Love this blog, Viera! I eagerly wait for the arrival of the season...

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  6. you are most welcome Graham...I'm very happy you like greek mythology as well...

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  7. Spring is finally coming..We should enjoy..
    Thanks for sharing of this story from ancient Greeks...
    HUGS..
    HAVE A NICE FOLLOWING WEEK..

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  8. I agree with you Belita...The interesting thing about these early myths is that they were primarily transmitted orally from one generation to the next. Because they were never written down, they could be told slightly differently depending on who was doing the telling and this could alter the myth's essential message. Fortunately, pencils were eventually invented, and myths were recorded in print. The two main myth-writing guys were Hesiod and Homer.
    * Hesiod, who lived during the seventh century B.C., wrote a poem called "The Generation of the Gods." In it, he explained the origins of the immortal Greek gods. According to Hesiod, the gods live at the summit of a mountain called Mount Olympus. Many gods represent a part of the natural universe...

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  9. yes Anja...it is a great feeling...fulfilled with a new energy...Thanks for stopping by ...Have a nice time...

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  10. Well, Vera, it seems to me that this Zeus guy has a lot to answer for. I hope you are enjoying your spring, though, autumn is bedding down here...

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  11. Dear Mark, your visits here make me very happy. ..Thank you so much for your comment...My tax season will be soon finiosh and I will fully enjoy the sunny days...A big hugs on your way...

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