Persephone vs. Nature

Demeter was what one might call an “overprotective mother.” But really, how could she not be? When both you and your child are Greek Goddesses, it’s difficult not to worry 24/7. She had good reason to worry, especially since every time she left Persephone alone, she seemed to get into trouble. One of the most memorable times was definitely when Persephone was kidnapped by her now-husband, Hades, but the younger goddess had given Demeter plenty of heart attacks even before then.

When Persephone was just a young deity, only around ninety, she had run off into the woods alone, upset at Demeter for some trivial thing. Perhaps the girl was angry over not getting extra ambrosia for dessert, or maybe Demeter had chided her for picking too many flowers. No matter what the reason, Persephone fled to the forest and sat at the base of a mighty poplar tree, waiting for her mother to find her.

Demeter, being a nature goddess, could sense the young goddess in her domain and, presuming Persephone to be in no immediate danger, left her to herself. This held true for a couple of hours, but as Apollo’s chariot neared the edge of the world, Demeter began to worry.

When she came upon the large poplar tree, it became evident to Demeter just what had happened. Persephone was still at the spot, but the childish goddess had touched a deadly mushroom, one that could kill even the most powerful primordial being.

Demeter immediately called for her chariot, gently placing the unconscious Persephone on the passenger side. She called for her steads to make haste, and so they did, tearing up the Earth with their gallant hooves. Demeter and her horses were searching for one being in particular: the reclusive Achlys, goddess of poison. If anybody could cure Persephone, it was her.

Demeter traveled throughout the night, not stopping for anything before she finally came upon the dark temple of Achlys. The temple was shrouded in a dark, spiritual mist, horrible enough to make even Demeter cough and sputter in its presence. Achlys was a great Keres, a female death spirit, and her power could be felt emanating from her place of corrupted worship.

The horses, in all their glory, refused to step foot on this tainted ground, and Demeter pressed on herself, carrying Persephone in her arms. Persephone coughed and gasped for fresh air, but Demeter forced herself to ignore the girl’s cries and continue onward.

Demeter entered the temple, and the density of that horrible mist tripled, bringing tears to Demeter’s eyes. Achlys looked down upon the feeble grain goddess and scowled. Demeter pleaded with Achlys, begging her to save Persephone’s life.

And so, Achlys sent Demeter on a quest to find the cruelest poison, one that affected all people, young and old, dumb and wise, rich and poor. Demeter thanked Achlys mercilessly for the mere chance to save her daughter, and Achlys smiled, for the cruel Keres knew that there was no such poison. Achlys was the mother of all poisons, and she held them all in her great collection. Demeter’s task was impossible, and her daughter would fall.

Still, Demeter set forth, determined to find this poison. She searched for months, even entering the dismal pit of Tartarus in desperation, but Demeter found nothing. Demeter finally rested in her sacred grove and sobbed. It is said her cries were so mournful that the whole grove fell into a great grief. Plants all around the world wilted in sorrow, and food spoiled in seconds. These disturbed cries were heard even on Mount Olympus, sending the other Olympians into great despair.

One Olympian left her throne to find the source of the crying. Aphrodite was shocked to find Demeter sobbing her heart out in the grove. The love goddess sat beside Demeter and asked her what was wrong, and Demeter poured her heart out in response. By the end of her tale, Aphrodite was in tears, and between sobs choked out a sorrowful sentiment.

As Demeter listened to Aphrodite, something clicked in her head. The last piece of the puzzle slotted into place, and Demeter suddenly stood, her vigor renewed. Aphrodite questioned this, but Demeter dismissed it, claiming there was no time to waste.

Demeter soon found herself back at the steps of that horrible temple, this time so determined even the mist could not hinder her. She stood in front of Achlys and cried out that she had found it: the cruelest poison, that which could affect all people young and old, dumb and wise, rich and poor. Achlys watched on in amusement, a condescending smirk plastered onto her unmoving face.

Demeter explained this poison was not a poison at all. It was a feeling, an emotion that all beings, even deities such as themselves, felt. Something that could creep in when you least expect, or stay with you since birth. It could be tainted, cursed, or mangled, but it could never be destroyed. The greatest poison in the world was love.

Achlys frowned as she realized the truth in Demeter’s words. Though furious she had been outsmarted, Achlys kept her word and healed young Persephone. The goddess was cured, and she flung herself into her mother’s arms in a joyous exchange. The two hugged and cried, and soon left the temple of Achlys, never to return.

And though love is a great poison, and it can hurt, it is only love that can heal the worst wounds.