The story of Persephone is a familiar one in Pagan circles, yet it has never really appealed to me because of the violence toward women associated with it. The basic story, as I understand it is that Persephone, the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, was abducted by Hades — her uncle —who took her to the underworld to be his wife. While in the underworld, she became associated with the dead, and her return to the surface and to her mother represents spring and the renewal of vegetation.

While doing research for a book I’m writing, I came across a kinder version of the myth in Sandra Kynes’ A Year of Ritual: Sabbats and Esbats for Solitaries and Covens. Here’s what she wrote:

“One of the most well-known stories of the Maiden Goddess is that of Demeter and her daughter Persephone. Persephone felt that it was her calling to go to the underworld to comfort and guide the spirits of the dead to their rest. Even though Demeter knew her daughter would return, she put her life on hold and waited. During this time, grain and other plants did not grow and the weather was cold. When Persephone returned bringing warmth and love for her mother, the entire earth came alive again. Later (ancient Greek) versions of the story added violence with Persephone being kidnapped to the underworld by Hades and Zeus bargaining with Demeter to bring her back to life. Happily, the gentler version is gaining popularity.”

I appreciate Kynes’ version of the story because it places Persephone in a position of power, where she is making all the decisions. She feels called to go to the underworld instead of being abducted. She also chooses to return to the earth’s surface to be reunited with her mother and to help the world come alive again as it moves from winter to spring.

I know there have been some modern attempts to retell this story in a more positive light. Do any of my readers have favorite resources or reinterpretations of the Persephone myth that do this well? Or do you understand the story in a different way than I’ve presented here? Inquiring minds want to know know!

David Taliesin, ©2025, http://www.sabbatsandsabbaths.com