Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Was Persephone kidnapped?
Position‹2 of 2

Persphone was not kidnapped

This position holds that Persephone was not kidnapped by Hades but went of her own free will. It argues that she chose to eat the pomegranate seeds when she could have refused, and that in several tellings — especially older, pre-Hellenic versions — she descended to the underworld willingly.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Perspehone willingly joined Hades
    Some interpretations suggest that Hades gave Persephone the chance to either stay and rule with him in the Underworld or to leave and go back with her mother if she desired. She went with him by choice.
  2. Persephone chose to eat the fruit
    Everyone knew that eating anything from Hades would tie them to the Underworld, including Persephone. Her own choice to eat the fruit sealed her fate.