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This is a mosaic depicting Hades abducting Persephone. Helping him, is Hermes. I do not recall a version of the myth in which Hermes helps Hades. Is there a version, or is this just an artist's interpretation of the myth?
asked Apr 9, 2018 at 13:53
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1 Answer
I'm not aware of any version of the myth that has Hermes helping hades abduct Persephone, although I'm very happy to be corrected on this.
However, I want to suggest an alternative interpretation from the one provided. There is a known part of this myth where all three did travel by chariot: When they were on the way out of Hades domain after Zeus had sent Hermes to tell Hades to let her go.
Example:
"Making ready his chariot, Hades conveyed Persephone and Hermes back up through the earth until they arrived at Demeter's temple"
https://owlcation.com/humanities/Demeter-and-Persephone
I know this isn't the usual interpretation given to this, I think due to the pose and expression of Persephone, but there are other possible interpretations of this. I found one version of the myth that says:
The crafty Hades learned this agreement and tricked his reluctant bride, who was crying all day and night from despair, to eat a few seeds of the pomegranate fruit. This was the food of the Underworld and every time someone ate even a few seeds of this, then, after a while, he would miss life in the Underworld. When the gathering in front of Zeus took place and Persephone was asked where she would like to live, she answered she wanted to live with her husband.
https://www.greeka.com/greece-myths/persephone.htm
(Emphasis mine)
Which could be the source of the expressive longing on her face.
