Hades watched, slump-shouldered, as Persephone ascended from the Underworld. He had to endure another interminable six months without his wife; more than his tortured soul could bear.
He paused at the gate to greet Cerberus. “I know you’ll you’ll miss her too, old boy,” Hades stroked the three-headed dog, wondering, “Why is it she sometimes seems so sad here?”
Their parting had been most tender. As they’d kissed, he’d traced his fingers across her flawless, petal-soft cheek. She’d flushed the same soft pink of the camellia blossom she’d brought home with her last time. It hit him then, exactly what his dearest Persephone missed.
That summer was the shortest six months he’d ever experienced as he awaited his wife’s return, and the first time he’d built something with his own hands.
He did engage the help of Helios to bring a beam of sunlight to the hidden grotto, creating a haven of life and love.
When the nights above ground grew longer and the days colder, sign of the season’s change, Persephone returned to the Underworld, running joyfully into her husband’s arms.
“Are you too tired, my love, to take a ride with me? I’ve arranged a picnic.”
Persephone wore doubt on her lovely face.
“Do you trust me?” asked Hades. At her nod, he said, “Climb up behind me on Aethon and close your eyes.”
Persephone did as she was bid, smiling softly as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Aethon, swiftest of Hades’ horses, soon had them at the grotto.
“We’ll have to walk the last bit,” said Hades, “I’ll guide you.”
Persephone gasped at the kiss of sunshine on her face and, as she opened her eyes, stared in silent wonder at the winter garden Hades had created. Sweet alyssum and autumn crocus bloomed around a bench. Ivy laden with darkening berries and prickly holly with its berries of bright red. Corymbs of tiny white flowers covered the viburnum and, of course, camellias, the shade of Persephone’s blush, with a scent as delicate as she.
“Oh, Hades,” whispered Persephone, “I do so love you.”
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Wow, Carrie, what a lovely idea for Hades to allow some sunlight into the Underworld and create a garden for his beloved wife. It reminds me of an experiment in building an underground park in New York City – the Lowline. I think it’s now on hold, for want of funding, but here’s a video about this amazing space, much like Hades’s garden!
Great video Fuji. Thank you for commenting and sharing.
How original to place Love in a place of darkness, and who would have thought of stroking Cerberus – I like the thinking out of the box. Another nice story line Carrie.
Thanks Eric, I believe there is a place for love everywhere. I love Greek mythology. There are so many interpretations of the stories. May as well add another 😉
What a great idea, Carrie, to use a story from Greek mythology for inspiration! Your story is vibrating of love, care and wish for happiness. You are right, as you say in your comment to Eric, that these stories can be interpreted in different ways. You have succeeded very well in using Persephone and Hades here. Making an effort to letting love and light enter into the darkness is what we all need to do right now.
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Thanks Christer. I concur, we all do need some light, love and laughter right now.
I find Greek mythology quite interesting and really enjoyed this one! While reading it, your story sprang to life around me. Looking forward to more 🙂
Thank you Tejal. I find both Greek and Norse mythology to be very inspirational. So many fascinating stories to be retold!
Thank you for introducing these mythological characters to me, Carrie. I was not aware of the stories around them previously, and yours has given a new twist to them as well.
Thanks Susan. Yes, there are some quite fascinating stories in Greek mythology. Some of them quite gruesome, others very inspiring.
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