Greek Gods
A Rape Culture Analysis
The Abduction of Persephone
Summary
Although many versions of the Greek myth of Hades abduction of Persephone exist, the general structure remains the same throughout the variations. Persephone is the daughter of Demeter and Zeus. Demeter is the goddess of harvest and earthly fertility, as an extension Persephone represents innocence and new growth as the spring goddess. She is first described as a beautiful young girl collecting flowers in a field or meadow. From here she is captured and taken to the underworld by Hades. Her mother becomes so deeply distraught after her disappearance, she stops all the harvests and the vegetation of the earth begins to die. Zeus, seeing the destruction occurring due to the abduction of Persephone by his brother, commands Hades to return Persephone to her mother. Hades obliges, but not before forcing Persephone to eat several pomegranate seeds. The Fates declare that as Persephone has consumed fruit of the underworld, she is bound there a portion of the year. The Greeks used this myth to explain the development of the different seasons. When Persephone is separated from Demeter and bound to the underworld, death and a lack of growth occurs. When the two are reunited, new growth and life begin again.
Rape Culture
The myth of Hades and Persephone permeates many of the ideas that construct rape culture. Certain elements can be found across all versions of the prominent Greek myth. For instance, from the very beginning it is clear Persephone is seen by all as both beautiful and innocent so everyone wants to possess her for themselves. This categorization of her as a possession points to a key component of modern rape culture: sexual objectification. Hades wants Persephone and therefore he will take her to fulfill that desire. This objectification has no regard for Persephone or Demeter’s wishes and places Hade’s desires above theirs, representing gender inequality which is often portrayed throughout Greek mythology.
Another connection to modern rape culture relates to the idea that victims “wanted” or “asked” for it (the rape) through either their actions or presentation of themselves. Persephone is described as wandering the fields as a glorious flower, smelling so sweetly she was irresistible. This could be seen as her “asking for it”. Victim blaming is a common component of rape culture, with evidence of it even seen in the judicial system. This component of the overall structure of rape culture automatically assumes the victim’s intentions. This can also be seen in the myth when Demeter is searching for Persephone. No one tells Demeter of her whereabouts as they assume it was Persephone’s intent to go to the underworld with Hades.
The loss of choice in rape is one aspect that leads victims to feel violated after the event. In the myth, Hades does not allow Persephone to choose whether she stays or goes. When Zeus requests the return of Persephone, Hades tricks her into eating pomegranate seeds so she is bound to the underworld for a portion of the year. This act not only takes away her choice, but also in a sense her purity. Giving her the pomegranate seeds without informing her of the repercussions was essentially taking her innocence from her without consent. Persephone, and Demeter, must now face the consequences of his actions as opposed to her own.
Modern Implications
Although many other conclusions can be drawn from this myth, the previously stated points heavily relate to modern rape culture. From this we can see that sexual objectification, gender inequality, and even issues with personal choice have been longstanding problems within society. The expression of these issues in such popularly read mythology may be a contributing factor to their maintenance over the course of history. These myths, along with folk tales and other popular works, have a lasting impact on the population. Many look to these writings to transmit morals and ideas, making the conservation of these problematic constructs devastating to societal growth.
This image maps the most common words that occur in the "The Abducion of Persephone" myth featuring the daughter of Demeter, Persephone, and the God of the Underworld, Hades. Image provided by Wordle.net.
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