There are a lot of mythological tales told in history that depicts or tells the tale behind natural occurrences. At the time, what science couldn’t explain, the supernatural supplemented explanations. A good example of this was the Greek mythology behind the four seasons winter, spring, summer, and fall. According to literature student John Eilermann, Greek literature provides an astoundingly detailed story as to why these seasons occur.
The story begins with Demeter, the goddess farming and watcher of the harvest. It is believed that spring marks the time when the goddess visits the earth to look upon the progress of the crops. In all the tales, she always brings her daughter Persephone with her during her visits. This caught the eye of Hades, god of the underworld, who fell in love with Persephone.
One day, while Persephone was picking flowers, Hades opened the earth and dragged her toward his realm. Later on, Zeus would order Hades to release her but Hades had already fed her a pomegranate, a fruit that would bound her to Hades.
Struck with grief, Demeter locked herself in her room for 12 months. This caused mass spread famine across the lands. To resolve the conflict among the gods, Zeus allowed Hades to have Persephone for 3 months of the year and that she would return to Demeter for the remaining 9 months.
According to John Eilermann, the 3 months of winter signifies Demeter waiting for her daughter to return, meaning crops were left to shrivel and farmlands going to waste. The remaining 9 months are then characterized by spring, summer, and fall where crops are bountiful.
John Eilermann is currently in college pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature. The vastness of the field he is studying has kept him busy, and he really doesn’t mind it. He believes that his major will offers him an abundance of opportunities once he graduates. For more insightful reads on literature, visit this website.
 |
Image source:
abstract.desktopnexus.com
|
One day, while Persephone was picking flowers, Hades opened the earth and dragged her toward his realm. Later on, Zeus would order Hades to release her but Hades had already fed her a pomegranate, a fruit that would bound her to Hades.
Struck with grief, Demeter locked herself in her room for 12 months. This caused mass spread famine across the lands. To resolve the conflict among the gods, Zeus allowed Hades to have Persephone for 3 months of the year and that she would return to Demeter for the remaining 9 months.
 |
Image source:
youtube.com
|
John Eilermann is currently in college pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature. The vastness of the field he is studying has kept him busy, and he really doesn’t mind it. He believes that his major will offers him an abundance of opportunities once he graduates. For more insightful reads on literature, visit this website.
No comments:
Post a Comment