In Greek mythology, the abduction of Persephone explains how Hades, the gods of the underworld, fell in love with Demeter’s daughter, and took her against his will. Demeter was devastated and neglected her duties as a goddess of agriculture. Alarmed, Zeus sent Hermes to the underworld to negotiate with Hades for the return of Persephone. Hades agreed to let her go, but before leaving he offered Persephone a few seeds of garnet. She ate them, without knowing that those who consume food in the underworld fall bound to it. So, Persephone would have to spend part of the year in the underworld with Hades, and the rest could spend it with her mother. The autumn and the winter, may represent the time in which Demeter, saddened by the absence of her daughter, leaves nature to march. When Persephone returns, Demeter’s joy returns fertility to earth, marking the arrival of spring and summer.
