Hades and Persephone: The Ascension

Third part of the series. I looks like it will be split into 4 parts.
First and Second Parts, if you haven't read them.

            I sat beside Hades on his couch, watching Hermes bow before us. He lazily twirled a lock of my hair between his fingers. My hair had grown to a dark brown color during my months in the Underworld. I had noticed my skin had paled as well. I sat up straighter, my body leaning towards Hermes as something fluttered in my chest. In my time here I had not seen one person from above. Was this my freedom?

            “Rise, Hermes.” Hades said casually. “Why have you come?”

            “Lord Hades, I come in behest of my father, your brother, Zeus. He has asked that you release Persephone to her mother. In her grief, Demeter has kept seed from man. Her sorrow has frozen the very earth itself. For the sake of the world, please return life to the earth.”

            The Lord of the Underworld sighed, sitting up and stared down at the Messenger. “What would I benefit from this? I do not reside above the world. In fact, such a thing would bolster my ranks.”

            “You would have the gratitude of the King of Olympus.”

            I watched him contemplate this, and he looked back at me. “What of you, my love? Do you still wish to return home?”

            I nodded slowly. “Don’t misunderstand, my lord. I now understand what you have meant, but my mother needs me.”

            His smile, which was no longer cold, held a hint of sadness. “I suppose I cannot deny you then. You may return to your mother.” He looked to Hermes. “Tell Zeus that I accept his gratitude.”

            He stood and held his hand out to me. When I took it, he pulled me into his arms and pressed his lips to mine. I felt some tiny seeds pass through my mouth as we kissed. I pulled away, wide eyes, with the taste of pomegranate on my tongue.

He smiled arrogantly at me and whispered. “I’ll never truly let you go.”

            Dumbfounded, I allowed him to lead me to Hermes. “Guide her safely to her mother.”

            The Messenger took me into his arms, gently and lifted into the air. The winding caverns of the underworld passed by in a blur. We passed through the gates and I had my first gaze and triple headed Cerberus, who merely opened an eye to watch us pass. Then we were over the river Styx and through more caverns. Finally, we reached the surface. I covered my eyes when the light of the sun hit my face. It had been many months since I had seen Apollo’s rays and they were fierce against my skin.

            I looked around in shock. The ground was covered in several inches of icy snow as far as I could see. The trees were bare of any life, just gray pointed branches. “My mother has done this?”

            Hermes nodded. “She was in morning at your loss.”

            “Daughter!”

            I barely had time to turn before I was in my mother’s arms. I heard her sobs of joy and relief. Her hands ran over me as if to reassure herself I was there. “Are you alright? Did he do anything?”

            I embraced her, relieved to be with her again. “I am alright, mother. I have returned to you.”

            She pulled back and inspected me solemnly. “Persephone, think very hard. Did you eat anything during your stay?”

            I opened my mouth to assure her that I didn’t and stopped, remembering our parting kiss. “Not intentionally, mother, but in the end he tricked me into eating three pomegranate seeds. It is only seeds. Surely, I could not be forced to stay for only three.”

            Her eyes burned and the air around us began to form tiny crystals. She took my hand. “Come. We will speak to Zeus about this at once. Hermes, take us to your father.”

Guest Post: Marie Sumner

Halloween for the Gods

When I was younger I went through an extreme Greek mythology phase.  I became hooked after reading the Odyssey my freshman year of high school (OK so I read the SparkNotes.. don’t judge me).  It’s easy to get lost in Greek mythology. Not only is it somewhat romantic, but it also reflects the sinful side of human nature with displays of power, lust, and deception. In fact, it’s a lot like watching a daytime soap opera (although not quite as pathetic). Perfect specimens of both the male and female body engage in tumultuous relationships that rival anything that we are likely to experience on Earth.

A near decade after “reading” the Odyssey and I’m back on my Greek Mythology kick. I've decided that this time around is going to be much more fun than the last due to the fact that I can actually partake in a few of the godly activities-- namely the parties. Since I’m constantly in Halloween mode, I've been fantasizing about how Greek Gods and Goddesses would celebrate had they ever had the chance. I imagine it would go something like this:

As the king of the underworld, it only makes sense that Hades would be the one to host the festivities. After all he wouldn't even have to rent a venue. His faithful demonic minions would have the underworld decked out in red lighting and there would be a plethora of lady fingers available for refreshments, not to mention whatever Hades would decide to serve on tap. Hades himself would be wearing red horns and a pitch fork.

All of the attendants would also be costume except for Ares, he would just be naked. I’m sure this would be fine with everyone due to the fact that he is basically all that is man and I would let him do terrible things to me.  But really who wouldn't? Despite his frequent sexual encounters with Aphrodite, he would arrive to the party stag and Aphrodite would arrive alongside Hephaestus.

Now, the relationship between Aphrodite and Hephaestus has always baffled me a bit. I mean, how lucky does an ugly bolt maker have to be to snag a chic like Aphrodite?! Not only is he the only God that is unattractive but he is also lame so it just seems like a cruel twist of fate that Zeus would make Aphrodite marry him. Apparently he’s a nice guy but I always thought they finished last... Anyways, the pair would arrive at the party dressed as a French maid and Stephen Hawking, splitting almost as soon as they arrive.

I’m sure you would all agree that ever party needs at least one lush and I can’t think of anyone better than Demeter, the goddess of grain. Dressed as Poison Ivy (from Batman of course!) she would be found frequenting the open bar and doing body shots off of anyone who would be willing to partake. Why would she be dressed as Poison Ivy you may ask? Demeter is not only the goddess of grain but she is also the goddess of all agriculture so all plants are held very dear to her.

Other obvious party attendants would be Apollo, Hermes, Persephone, Zeus, Hera, and Athena. After several games of “flip cornucopia” and “wine pong” they would all take part in a costume contest with Ares, of course, coming out as the winner. The party could continue until Apollo sobered up enough to drive the sun across the Earth and the Gods and Goddesses would begin their walks of shame home.

Author Bio:

Marie Sumner considers herself to be the goddess of dress-up who loves to talk nerdy. When she’s not wearing a toga or reading Shakespeare in Klingon, she writes for the costumes provider, Wholesale Halloween Costumes.