Demeter and Persephone (Greek Myths)
#3 in Graphic Classics Series
on Goodreads (71)
What’s inside...
When Hades, the king of the Underworld, abducts young Persephone and imprisons her in his kingdom deep beneath the earth, her mother Demeter is stricken with grief. Demeter must summon a mother's bravery to rescue her daughter from Hades' clutches. In another tale, the classic story is retold of a man who ventures into the Underworld in order to bring back his deceased bride.
Character compass
Persephone
Demeter
Hermes
Zeus
Hades
Discussion points
What emotions do you think Persephone felt when she was taken away to the underworld? How would you feel in her place?
Why do you think Demeter was so determined to find her daughter? What does this tell us about her love for Persephone?
How do the changing seasons in the story relate to Demeter and Persephone's emotions and actions?
What can we learn from the way the other gods and goddesses reacted to Demeter's plight?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions and thoughts about the characters' decisions and the consequences they faced.
Relate the story's themes to personal experiences or familiar situations, facilitating a deeper connection with the narrative.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to the challenges faced by Persephone and Demeter, promoting creative thinking.
Discuss the moral lessons of the myth and how they can be applied in daily life, reinforcing values such as resilience and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of compromise
Explanation: In the story, Zeus mediates an agreement between Demeter and Hades, allowing Persephone to spend part of the year with her mother and part in the underworld. This demonstrates the value of compromise in resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to find middle ground in disputes with siblings or classmates, fostering a cooperative environment.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: Persephone's decision to eat the pomegranate seeds in the underworld binds her to return. This highlights how choices carry consequences.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to think carefully about their decisions and consider potential outcomes before acting.
Example Lesson: The power of persistence
Explanation: Demeter's relentless search for her daughter and her efforts to negotiate her return demonstrate determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up when facing difficult situations, whether it's solving a challenging puzzle or standing up for what they believe in.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding emotions
Explanation: The story shows Demeter's deep sorrow and the eventual empathy of the gods towards her plight. This teaches the recognition and respect for the emotions of others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be mindful of the feelings of others, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence in their interactions.