In Greek mythology, Persephone was the queen of the Underworld, and Hades was the god who rules it. Hades abducted Persephone while she was picking flowers in the Vale of Nysa. He was captivated by her beauty and took her to the underworld. This act of kidnapping is witnessed only by Helios, the sun god, who later informs Demeter of her daughter's fate. Overcome with grief, Demeter searches for Persephone, causing the earth to become barren as she neglects her duties as the goddess of agriculture. In response to Demeter's despair, Zeus intervenes and sends Hermes to negotiate Persephone's return. Hades reluctantly agrees but tricks Persephone into eating six pomegranate seeds before she leaves. This act binds her to the Underworld for part of each year. Consequently, a compromise is reached: Persephone will spend six months with Hades in the Underworld and six months with her mother on Earth. This cyclical journey symbolizes the agricultural seasons. When Persephone is with Demeter during spring and summer, the earth flourishes with life and abundance. However, during her absence in autumn and winter, Demeter mourns, leading to a period of dormancy and barrenness across the land.
In Simanity, Persephone was gathering flowers in a meadow when Hades saw her and asked Persephone's mother Demeter for permission to pursue her. Demeter denied him access to Persephone, so he triggers a volcanic earthquake which opened the ground beneath where Persephone eventually falls down and disappears.
