The Return of Persephone: A Timeless Tale of Spring Transformation!

It's Women's History Month! And soon, it will be spring! 

At this time of year, the story of Persephone and Demeter offers particular resonance. After all, their story explains the changing seasons from an ancient perspective. 

This mother-daughter myth also focuses on female power. That's why Women's History Month is an excellent time to get out your Greek Mythology Blocks and tell their story!

The Story of Persephone and Demeter

Persephone, daughter of Demeter (Goddess of the Harvest), was gathering flowers in a field. Hades, God of the Underworld, emerges from below the earth and snatches her away to become his Queen.

Heartbroken at the kidnapping of her daughter, Demeter searches for Persephone. In her grief, she neglects her duties at harvest. Crops wither. The earth becomes barren and cold. Famine spreads throughout the Earth.

Finally, Zeus (King of the Gods) intervenes. He orders Hades to return Persephone to the surface of the Earth. But there's a catch – Persephone has to return to Hades for six months each year.

And so Persephone returns to her mother each spring. Demeter rejoices, and the earth blooms once more. When Persephone descends to Hades again each fall, the earth grows cold and dormant until she returns in spring.

The Enduring Legacy of Spring Celebrations

Wait a sec. Doesn't this old story sound a little familiar? It should! 

The themes of this myth – death and rebirth, spring and winter – echo through countless spring traditions across cultures and millennia. The colored eggs, rabbits, and flowers we find at modern spring festivities have their roots in ancient celebrations of nature's awakening.

Bring Greek Mythology to Life!

Ancient tales like these still speak to children and adults. Uncle Goose Greek Mythology Blocks feature Persephone and Demeter, as well as Hades and Zeus. You'll find 32 Greek Mythology characters as well as a puzzle map in this colorful set!

What other stories of rebirth and transformation will you share with your children this spring?