#Hail King Hades and Queen Persephone of the Underworld

[a-creature-as-bright-as-the-sun]

I wrote up these prayers for some prayer beads! These are the twelve olympians + Hestia, and some gods that I personally wanted to honor as well. Feel free to pick 'n' choose and modify these how you want, but I thought that I'd would share thems as a community resource, regardless! ^-^

Prayers with the "hails" and gods' names in greek letters (and transliterated) under the cut!

🌜☀️🌛🌜☀️🌛🌜☀️🌛🌜☀️🌛🌜☀️🌛🌜☀️🌛

Hail Zeus and Hera, King and Queen of the heavens and the Theoi.

Hail Zeus, Father of the sky, bringer of rain and storm, protector of friendship and averter of evil.

Hail Hera, Overseer and protector of marriage and women.

Hail Poseidon, Lord of the seas.

Hail Hades, King of the underworld, overseer of the dead, giver of wealth.

Hail Persephone, Queen of the underworld, exacter of justice, Lady of spring and nature.

Hail Aphrodite, Lady of love, mother of desire, passion, beauty, bringer of pleasure.

Hail Ares, Lord of battle, bolsterer of courage, representation or slaughter and bloodshed.

Hail Dionysus, Creator of wine, savior from and inflicter of madness, bringer of ecstacy.

Hail Hermes, Luck bringer, friendliest to man, patron of language and writing.

Hail Hephaestus, Skilled craftsman, patron of artisans.

Hail Athena, Wise strategist, skilled in handicrafts, leader to victory.

Hail Artemis, kind and welcoming Lady, swift of foot and skilled in bowhunting.

Hail Apollo, Lord of oracles, healer and inflicter of illness, leader of the Muses.

Hail Demeter, Lady of the food on our tables and the earth beneath our feet, who loved her daughter so much she made the earth baren in her grief.

Hail Hekate, Lady of the crossroads and ghosts, to whom is offered on the new moon.

Hail Aristaeus, Lord of the rural arts, he who was taught many skills by his family, the Theoi. Gentle, patient god.

Hail Hestia, Lady of the hearth and home, and of the family that tends to those.

Hail Theoi. May you guide me all the days of my life.

Χαιρε Ζευς, (Khaire Zeus) Father of the sky, bringer of rain and storm, protector of friendship and averter of evil.

✨💫✨💫✨💫✨💫✨💫✨💫✨💫✨💫✨💫

Χαιρετε Ζευς και `Ηρη, (Khairete Zeus kai Hera) King and Queen of the heavens and the Θεοι. (Theoi)

Χαιρε `Ηρη, (Khaire Hera) Overseer and protector of marriage and women.

Χαιρε Ποσειδων, (Khaire Poseidon) Lord of the seas.

Χαιρε `Αιδης, (Khaire Haides) King of the underworld, overseer of the dead, giver of wealth.

Χαιρε Περσεφονη, (Khaire Persephone) Queen of the underworld, exacter of justice, Lady of spring and nature.

Χαιρε Άφροδιτη, (Khaire Aphrodite) Lady of love, mother of desire, passion, beauty, bringer of pleasure.

Χαιρε Άρης, (Khaire Ares) Lord of battle, bolsterer of courage, representation or slaughter and bloodshed.

Χαιρε Διονυσος, (Khaire Dionysos) Creator of wine, savior from and inflicter of madness, bringer of ecstacy.

Χαιρε `Ηρμης, (Khaire Hermes) Luck bringer, friendliest to man, patron of language and writing.

Χαιρε `Ηφαιστος, (Khaire Hephaistos) Skilled craftsman, patron of artisans.

Χαιρε Άθηνα, (Khaire Athena) Wise strategist, skilled in handicrafts, leader to victory.

Χαιρε Άρτεμις, (Khaire Artemis) kind and welcoming Lady, swift of foot and skilled in bowhunting.

Χαιρε Άπολλων, (Khaire Apollon) Lord of oracles, healer and inflicter of illness, leader of the Μουσαι. (Muses)

Χαιρε Δημητηρ, (Khaire Demeter) Lady of the food on our tables and the earth beneath our feet, who loved her daughter so much she made the earth baren in her grief.

Χαιρε `Εκατη, (Khaire Hekate) Lady of the crossroads and ghosts, to whom is offered on the new moon.

Χαιρε Άρισταιος, (Khaire Aristaios) Lord of the rural arts, he who was taught many skills by his family, the Θεοι (Theoi). Gentle, patient god.

Χαιρε `Εστια, (Khaire Hestia) Lady of the hearth and home, and of the family that tends to those.

Χαιρετε Θεοι (Khairete Theoi). May you guide me all the days of my life.

[enchanting-jewel]

Persephone- Queen of the Underworld, Goddess of Spring

Persephone is an Ancient Greek Goddess with a complex duality that positions her both as Maiden of Spring and the Queen of the Underworld. She is paired with Hades, the Ruler of the Underworld.

Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. She emerges from the Underworld at Springtime and leaves the Earth when it is Autumn.

Some symbols that represent Persephone are Pomegranates, torch, springtime flowers, grains, bones, bats and an iron crown.

Persephone loves to be worshipped and have an altar dedicated to her. Somethings you can put out for offerings would be flower crowns, Autumn leaves, bat shaped items, jewelry, fruit cakes, honey, red or white candles, or have a garden dedicated to her.

Persephone teaches that power comes from within even if outside forces try to reach you.

Prayer to Persephone:

“Daughter of Zeus, source of life

Demeter’s only child, Hades honored wife

Come infernal queen, accept my offering

For much honor I give you for you and your King

Half the year under the Earth you dwell

Giving warmth and greenery their death knell

Your return causes the land to bloom in delight

To mortals you are a most welcome site

Return to your husband at harvest end

To hopeful mortals you judge and mend

Holy One, Knowing One, Exactor of Justice

Mother of furies and doomed Zagreus

Play mate of nymphs beloved and bright

Almighty horned of bounteous might

Oh blessed Goddess fill my belly with fruit

My life with good health, my pocket with loot

When it is time to meet you down below

I hope it is to Elysium I go

There to find rest, friends and family

To hail and honor Hades and Persephone.”

[ofbloodandfaith]

I have literally been obsessed with Hypnos the god of sleep in Greek mythology for years, to the point I did an art project based on sleep in art school.

 I have also been obsessed with the relationship he has with his twin brother Thanatos (death) his wife, one of the Charities Pasithea, and his son Morpheus.

The fact that the god of sleep and the goddess of hallucination and relaxation bore the god of dreams is amazing.

The fact that sleep is the twin of death, that they are very similar but very different. That death is a permanent sleep and a permanent step into dreams, which actually links more to the Welsh myth of the afterlife Annwn which is the land of gold and plenty

[ofbloodandfaith]

It's like when you think of Zeus, Poseidon and Hades they are the kings of their realms, but they are not the personification of that realm, that's the difference I think.

(Zeus is King of the sky, rain and the other gods, but is not the actual sky  (Uranus) etc, Poseidon is king of the seas but is not the actual sea (Oceanus), Hades is the king of the darkness, mists, death, and the underworld but is not the underworld (Erebus, Tartarus, Thanatos))

So Helios is the personification of the sun, but Apollo ‘controls’ where he goes and who he shines on. Although I do think this is more in a divination, inspiration, knowledge way than the where the actual sun rays go, if you get me.

Although Helios definitely has his own estate, retinue and cult which is important to know about

I believe it's a new king (Zeus) allotting a new title to a favourite son (Apollo), which also gives him more power over his subjects from the old regime (Cronus).

So important members of the old regime had their administrative powers over their own domain taken over by the new regime, especially members of the Dodekatheon. But it is not taken from them because it can’t be, because they are the literal personification of that domain.

So in my view, Apollo is not the God of the Sun, but his and Helios domains do overlap, and Apollo has more administration control over the domain due to being a member of the Dodekatheon. So, if Zeus wants something to happen in Helios domain, it is Apollo that has to make it happen.

They are like an ambassador, I suppose, from Zeus’ court (Dodekatheon) that exists in each domain/ kingdom of the old regime to make sure they fellow the new kings (Zeus) edicts.

I'd love some input from the Hellenic polytheist community - who do you view as the god of the sun?

I have always called the sun Helios, and think of the sunlight and it's ray as part of Apollo's domain. I know in later Hellenic times Apollo became much more conflated with the sun, so I'm curious about where the community stands now 🤔

[hadesglance]

All hail the new queen... - 17 (Hades Original Story)

You fought your way through the maze of the underworld to make a deal with the King…intrigued the lonely king listens…

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven  Part Eight  Part Nine  Part Ten Part Eleven  Part TwelvePart Thirteen  Part Fourteen  Part Fifteen  Part Sixteen

After doing a quick run around and saying hello to everyone, helping your mom dice some tomatoes, you quickly made your way back to the garage. Hades had given you such an adorable look of pure ‘please help me’ that you had to make sure he was alright.

You came back out wiping your hands on a dish towel and saw him with a beer in hand talking to the other men of the party. He looked completely different then his normal self, and you didn’t like it. You told him to dress down and he did, but man…you missed his suits. The beer just took it too far…you weren’t even sure if he liked beer…

Everyone seemed intent on his words and it made you wonder if he’d used his godly charm on them. You had asked him not to unless either of you slipped up, but you knew he’d been pretty nervous about this whole situation despite denying it every time you asked him.

You stood there watching him speak with hands a little before everyone laughed aloud. You took the opportunity to walk over and give him an out if he needed one, “Hey, what grand story were you telling this time?”

“Oh, just the one about my brothers, Zack and Phillip, crashed through Zack’s wall wrestling and how Hannah reacted so poorly and then somehow I was wrapped up in the story of how it all started to begin with, so in the end all three of us ended up fixing the wall.” You smirked at him knowing exactly who you were talking about, but had no idea to what incident he was referring to. Thankfully, Hades clued you in, “You cousin Leo, regaled us how your brother and he decided to go swimming and dive off the roof but instead had to fix the chimney when they pulled it down. They asked if I had done anything like that.”

You put your arm around his back like a normal couple would do. You felt him tense only briefly before relaxing into your embrace putting his arm over your shoulders, “I do remember that, Papa was angry. It took them all summer to fix it.”

“It seemed logical that roping the chimney and scaling it would work for two fifteen-year olds.” Leo shrugged as your other cousins punched his arm and ruffled his hair laughing.

“Well gentleman, the ladies are restless and would like to meet my date, can I steal him for a while?” You quirked an eyebrow looking at them all.

“Oh no…Nick, it’s a trap.” Your uncle waved at him to stay, “You won’t come back they’ll rope you into all of their lists.”

The rest of the laughed but didn’t disagree as you laced your fingers with his walking toward the door. Hades set his beer down on a work bench nodding to all of them, “I don’t know, might not be so bad, I’ll get a better portion if I get on the ladies’ good side, right?”

You giggled as you pulled him inside stopping in the entry hallway where they could be alone for a moment. You looked up at him in the small space, “How are you doing?”

You watched him take in a deep breath before he nodded, “Your family is very animated.”

“Yes, as most Greeks are. We love to be expressive, but are you okay?” You squeezed his hand.

“I’m doing alright.” He smiled at you as children ran in from outside pushing you toward him. He grabbed you around the waist pulling you close so you wouldn’t be trampled by the laughing parade.

You stared into his eyes for a moment as heat began to rise on the back of your neck. His eyes were so blue right now as you felt a tingling sensation on your arm, “Sorry…”

“Don’t be…” He whispered keeping you close to him still.

The magnetism you felt in that moment was undeniable and you were disappointed when you heard your aunts calling your name, “Coming!”

You stepped away adjusting your dress a little, smoothing it out before looking back to him, “You might have wanted to keep that drink, ‘cause this is where the fun really begins.”

His eyes widened a little as you brought him through the house. From fear? From panic You would never know as you showed him around as you went. It was an older retro house, and the décor hadn’t really left the 70s, but it was home even with all the strange angles and walls covered in pictures of every generation.

You brought him into the living room were the ladies sat drinks in hand. They all looked up at you as you stood with him. Instantly their eyes widened, and mouths drop openly slightly at the sight of him.

‘Damn straight, and about time.’ You thought to yourself with satisfaction, ‘Now leave me alone you harpies…’

“Everyone, this is Nick.” You smiled putting a hand on Hades arm.

Your mother stood up walking over to him smiling, “I remember you. You were Jonah’s doctor.”

Hades eyes widened in surprise as your mother pulled him into a tight hug, “Oh…uh…yes, I was.”

“I can’t ever repay for what you did for my boy. You gave him back to us.” You could see some tears in her eyes as she kissed his cheek several times.

“I was just doing my job…” He looked down to her before looking over to you, “Actually, it was Y/N, who brought me the case. If she hadn’t, I wouldn’t have done anything.”

You smiled at him as he boasted for you, “Well you made an impression that first visit to the clinic. I had to try everything…”

He reached down taking your hand, “I’m not complaining in the least.”

You mother clapped her hands together suddenly bringing them to her lips kissing them toward Hades, “And now you’re making an honest woman of my daughter.”

“Mama…” You blushed instantly embarrassed by her antics, “people don’t talk like that anymore.”

“Oh hush, I’m your mother.” She smiled at you looking back to Hades, “Nick please come sit down, Y/N, get him a drink.”

“I’m alright…” He looked at you as your mother started dragging him toward the couch. This time he did not let go of your hand like before. He was not going to be left alone again it seemed.

You squeezed his hand following him. You perched yourself on the armrest as he sat next to your mother. She began to grill him on every topic. Profession, childhood, parents, siblings, past relationships, current relationship, future relationship…

You were mortified, but every time Hades answered, he did so beautifully. Every answer was crafted in a way that told the truth while keeping their charade up. He was truly wonderful, and you were going to have to repay him somehow. Especially as he weaved his answer for the last question.

“Well, Ana, I know Y/N and I haven’t been dating more than a few months.” He rested his hand on your knee looking up to you smiling, “But I can honestly say, she has made me a better person. She brings clarity to my decisions that I didn’t know I needed, and I hope that I make her as happy as she makes me.”

You took his hand giving it a squeeze as the room buzzed how he should have been a politician. If they only knew that he was in his own way. If they only knew who they sat with, would they fall down prostrate asking for forgiveness? You doubted it and you didn’t care about what the hens clucked about in that moment. You were just focused on what he said thinking to yourself as you basked in his very presence, “Hades, do you mean it?”

Your eyes widened instantly when you heard his voice in your head as he lifted your hand to his lips kissing your fingers as he stared into your eyes, “Every word.”

Your heart thumped loudly in your ears as heat just burst through body. Your lips parted slightly as your free hand began absently fixing your hair. What was happening to you today? You swore the curse of the Underworld must have followed you here because you felt like your emotions were at eleven on a scale of ten.

“Y/N, you should go introduce Nick to Gigi. She’s in her room. I’m sure she’d welcome a new friend.” Your mother told you as she and a few aunts stood up, “Then come join us in the kitchen to serve everything up.”

“Right, will do.” Hades was to his feet first offering his hand to you. You took it as you licked your lips staring up at him as everyone else moved from the room, “Did…did you…”

He leaned down pressing his mouth to your ear whispering, “Every single word.”

His face came back into view. Not only had he heard you, but you heard him. You chalked it up to being bonded to him for the moment, but the idea that you could do that was…exhilarating and terrifying. What else had he’d heard from you over these few months?

Your face flushed a deep red at all the thoughts he may have heard as you took him down another hall past the kitchen to a length that only held doors. You passed all of them coming the last one that was opened slightly.

You stopped turning to him, “Gigi…she’s gotten sick over the last few years and��well she doesn’t talk anymore, but she’s still knows you’re there. So just…for few minutes we’re going to visit with her. It’s okay to be a little awkward.”

“I understand.” He nodded before following you into a room covered in old Greek runes and a small alter burning incense. You could tell by the way he looked at everything he recognized all the detail Gigi had put into it.

In the center of the room sat your grandmother in a wheelchair. She had a blanket over her lap as she sat a little slumped staring off to where you didn’t know. You hoped someplace happy. It always broke your heart to see her like this.

“Gigi…” He followed you to a small love seat next to her, “I wanted you to meet someone really special to me.”

Her expression and eyes never changed even as you took her hand in yours. You sighed closing your eyes for a moment before looking at him. He gave you a warm smile of encouragement. You knew no one else was down this way to overhear, so you took a deep breath looking back to your grandmother.

“This Hades, Gigi.” You felt him shift next to you as you spoke softly, “He saved Jonah’s life and in exchange I…I’ve become his consort... I wouldn’t have been able to believe in him, if it wasn’t for you.”

You looked at Hades who stared at you surprised for a moment before looking to your grandmother, “…hello…Gigi…”

You giggled a little, “I know it’s a little strange, but I know she can hear us even if she can’t respond.”

“It’s not that…Hold on.” He stood up looking out into the hall before he shut the door. He turned back to you taking off his jacket tossing it to the couch and began rolling up his sleeves.

“What are you doing?” You looked at him worried.

“The faith in this room is something I haven’t felt in a long time, and she believes in all of us. I can hear her right now. She says that dress looks very flattering.” You stared at him eyes wide as he knelt down in front of her, “It’s so uncommon, that I believe it’s time she be rewarded for her diligence in this changing world.”

Looking into Gigi’s eyes before he smiled he spoke with such attention you felt a lump in your throat, “Kyra, can you hear me?”

You watched as your Gigi blinked once. Hades reached out taking both of her hands holding them to his face as he gently placed his forehead against hers. Gigi’s eyes shut and you watched them both carefully in the still room.

Finally, you saw a tear roll down her face as Hades smiled again. Worry filled your chest, you trusted him, but you weren’t ready to say goodbye to her yet, “Hades…”

“It’s okay.” He whispered reaching out taking your hand instinctively. A blinding flash filled your vision and suddenly you were in a wide-open field. You looked around confused until you felt a pair of familiar hands grab your shoulders. You looked back seeing Hades, “Welcome to Elysium.”

He pointed out away from them. You followed his direction and saw a couple standing near a tree. They were locked in each other’s gaze. The young man held the woman’s face in his hands as he smiled. They were so happy…so in love…

“She missed him so much…but she said she’s not ready to be here yet.” Hades spoke softly to you helping you calm down, “It wasn’t hard to find Atticus though, their love is strong and even in death he stays true to her.”

Your hands went to your mouth as tears came to your eyes until you finally spoke, “That’s…”

“Yes…” He nodded coming to stand by your side taking your hand in his, “That’s your grandfather, your Papa.”

“You did this for her.” You looked up at him tears falling down your face, “Hades…thank you…thank you so much…She…I…”

He brought his hands up to your face brushing away your tears. You never felt so safe, so cherished, “No crying. I did this because I know how much she means to you. You mean just as much to her.”

You stared into his eyes felling overwhelmed. He cared for you enough to allow this. You knew it probably wasn’t something he often did, or even if it was allowed.

He kissed your forehead before embracing you tightly which only made things worse. You felt so vulnerable around him sometimes and today around your family…and then this…how you were you supposed to not cry?

“Y/N?” A familiar voice without its normal rasp touched your ears, “Is that really my little bird?”

You looked over as your Papa and Gigi walked up. They looked so young, just like many of their pictures of being in Greece. You nodded wiping the tears away as Hades released you, “Papa?”

“I know I look a little different…” He laughed but threw open his arms and you ran forward as he hugged you tightly, “But I still know how to hug my favorite grand daughter…Gigi, told me what you did for your family. Silly girl…always running in with your heart on your sleeve.”

“Shush…you’ll insult him.” Gigi slapped his arm and you couldn’t help but laugh as he winced away still holding you, “Forgive him Lord Hades…”

“He isn’t wrong.” Hades smiled stepping closer to you when you let go, “She did just that, ran into my temple, heart out, with no care for herself, and I accepted it.”

“Gigi…” You looked at her so young and vibrant. You choked up feeling emotions you didn’t know you still harbored. Your grandmother was the only one who listened to you and understood, “I…”

“Oh dear.” She reached forward pulling you to herself, “I am so proud of you. So, so proud. We all are, though I know you don’t hear it enough. Always outshined, but I see you even if I can’t say anything, I want you to remember that. I love you.”

“And I am always thinking of you. All of you.” Your grandfather touched your shoulder looking over to Hades, “I think it’s time for you to go sir…”

You looked over to Hades seeing sweat dripping down his forehead as he smiled shaking his head, “Take your time.”

“Sir, I know the laws and you may be able to bend them as this is your domain but living souls shouldn’t be here.” Atticus looked to Kyra, “I miss you so much…but I will be here when you’re ready.”

Kyra stepped up to him kissing him. It was enough to get you crying again as you stepped back to Hades. He took your hand and whispered, “Shut your eyes…”

You obeyed feeling a cool breeze brush against your skin until the familiar smell of your grandmother’s incense filled your senses. You opened your eyes seeing a sweating Hades staring into your Gigi’s eyes a smile firmly planted on her face as he spoke softly, “Thank you, Kyra…”

You sat concerned and confused as he placed her hands back in her lap. He leaned back sitting on the floor running a hand through his hair. You checked on Gigi first wiping the tears from her face before you sat on the floor in front of Hades, “Are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine.” He smiled at you taking in a deep breath in, “Your grandfather was right, I shouldn’t have done that, but for one so devoted how could I not.”

“Hades…I…” You stared at him unable to find the words to express how much this meant to you.

He shook his head as he kept smile, “It’s okay…I’d do it again just smile for me the way you did there.”

You felt a whirlwind of emotions beating against your chest as you sat there with him. Unable to contain it any longer you leaned forward kissing him. You felt him fall back a little catching himself with one arm as the other landed on your side.

You expected him to pull away from you as your hands landed on his chest. To finally remember that you were a mortal and that he wanted nothing to do with you in that manner. That you were just a companion like you had originally agreed to be. Not his consort. Not his wife… just Y/N.

But he didn’t. His lips moved against yours as he pushed back gaining his balancing. His other hand found your neck keeping you were you desired to be until he was done with you. At which point he rested his forehead against yours nudging his nose with his, “Is it too early to go home now?”

You laughed a little shaking your head, “Don’t tease me.”

“I would never.” He whispered against your jaw before he sighed, “But this is a conversation for another time…”

Licking his lips, he helped right yourself and you both stood up in front of your Gigi. You blushed clearing your throat, “I’m so sorry, Gigi…”

Hades reached down touching Gigi’s hand, “She says it’s the most entertainment she’s had in a while.”

You laughed again before leaning down kissing her cheek, knowing that is exactly how she would have responded, “I love you, I’ll come visit more alright? Maybe even drag him a long with me.”

“I won’t mind.” Hades told you as he put his jacket back on.

You stepped out into the hall with him slowly walking back down toward the kitchen. You swallowed looking at your hands, “Well…we…”

He stopped you putting a hand arm and pushed your chin up to make you look at him. He smiled a little before leaning capturing your lips for a second time. You trembled as you reached out grabbing onto his jacket as you pressed on to your toes to push into the kiss.

He parted away from you again brushing your hair back into place for you. His eyes were bright like stars in the sky as he spoke, “You taste like sunshine and I just want to bask in it.”

You swallowed nodding dumbly in a haze from the last fifteen minutes of events. He took your hand in his kissing your finger as he led you down the hall to everyone. He very calmly told them that he was being called away for work. You said your goodbyes promising to not be such a stranger.

You stepped into the car looking back at the house seeing your father stepping down the driveway. You felt a tightness in your chest as he smiled and waved at you as you backed out of the driveway. He blew you a kiss like he always did and of course you caught it putting your fist to your heart.

Hades looked at you as he drove off taking your other hand in his, “Everything alright?”

You kept your hand to your heart nodding slowly, before looking to him with a smile, “Yeah…everything’s good…”

[captainenjolras]

Today is the start of winter. May Persephone have a safe travel back to Hades’ loving arms and may their love bless us all. Travel safely, my Queen. Hail the Queen and King of the Underworld, loved by earth.

[teddy06writes]

Greek Myth Series: Hades And Persephone

Woo! Woo! It's finally here, the moment you've been waiting for, the kick off of the greek myth series!

We are starting out with Hades And Persephone because on the poll they beat out Psyche and Eros by like, 12 or 13 votes. So lets go:

Wilbur Soot x reader (slightly implied female)

Trigger warnings: yelling, some swearing

premise: if you know the story of Hades and Persephone then you know what it is. If not, well you'll see. This is me putting an mcyt twist on my take of the story.

Just a line up {subject to change from part to part of this series} :

Wilbur- Hades

Tommy- Thanatos

Dream- Zeus

Ranboo- Hermes

Hannah- Demeter

Tubbo- Askalaphos (the dude who tells Persephone to eat the pomegranate)

Sapnap- Apollo

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long, long ago, when monsters and mortals still clashed over land, and when Gods still ruled the Earth, there lived a woman.

No, not just a woman, a goddess, one of the 12 major gods, housed in the Greek Pantheon.

Hannah, they called her, who hailed over crops and the growing season. Most would have known her as passive, but in one flick of her wrist you may find your fields dead, and her wrath growing.

Now, Hannah, had but one godly child, who presided over spring growth, called (y/n).

(y/n), though they loved to walk the earth, to see fields full of flowers, and orchards full of trees, longed for something more. As they grew, Hannah bound them more and more to the growing season, nearly forbidding them to have their freedom.

And, during those fleeting moments, where (y/n) was able to roam free, not giving their energy to blessing crops, they didn't know that someone had been watching.

Wilbur Soot, the king of the underworld, could sense their despair, and their suffering. Of the things he wished he could change, this was the one he could not.

At least, until one day.

It was one of the few days that (y/n) was able to escape what seemed to be a prison with their mother. They had picnicked, in a lovely valley, with a few of the friendlier Nymphs, Niki, George, Foolish and Puffy.

The sun was just starting to sink in the sky when (y/n) slipped away from their friends, wandering through the flower field.

They sighed, twirling the stem of a cut rose in their fingers, if only they could get away like this everyday.

It wasn't until they were a considerable distance from the Nymphs that Wilbur made his move. Chariot beginning to long trek to the surface.

(y/n) turned suddenly, as a crack formed in the ground, the chariot pulled by huge black stallions emerging.

"Who- who are you?" They asked cautiously, already backing away.

Wilbur stepped down from the chariot, "I am Wilbur Soot, king of the Underworld. I- love you, join me, to rule by my side."

(y/n) let out a nervous giggle, "Ummm..."

"I know that you've been longing to get away. If you come with me you won't have to be a slave to your mother's passions any longer."

They looked at him for a long moment, at his outstretched hand, and then back they way they had come. Could he really free them?

Wilbur couldn't help but squeeze his eyes shut, worried for their response, only to feel a hand grip his own. Opening his eyes, he looked down at them, "Truly?"

They nodded, "We should go, before my mother catches word."

~~

The underworld, (y/n) quickly realized, was nothing like the world above. There was no sky, only a dark cavernous ceiling, and there seemed to be no blues, no yellows or greens, only the dark dismal blues, greys, and reds.

The first days that they had spent there, were spent exploring, the palace, the grounds, and anywhere else they were allowed.

Usually, Tommy, the young god of death accompanied them, having appointed himself as their personal tour guide.

It frightened them, to be so far away from the surface, so far from their mother, and so close to the dead.

Though, they did suppose that it was freedom, they couldn't trust this foreign place, minding to never eat anything, for fear of becoming stuck in that place, never allowed to visit the surface again.

On the seventh day of their stay in the underworld, (y/n) managed to shake Tommy long enough to wander into a set of gardens they had never seen before.

With a gasp, they realized that all of the fruits, all of the plants that though abundant on the surface never grew there, were all thriving in that garden. Rows and rows of apple trees, cherry trees, pear trees and- Pomegranate trees.

As soon as the gasp escaped their lips, a small form appeared from behind one of the trees, "Oh- hello there!"

"Hello- what is all this? If I'm allowed to ask." They edged forward into the garden.

"Oh- Lord Wilbur ordered all this to be planted, to make you feel at home. I'm Tubbo, the gardener."

They blinked, processing his words, "He did all this- for me?"

Tubbo nodded, already moving to put down his watering can, and beginning to pluck some of the pomegranates from the nearest tree, "He cares for you very much."

(y/n) continued to look around in amazement as they sat at the small table.

"You look famished," he commented, "Do you want any?"

"Oh no, I couldn't." They shook their head.

"Not even a few pomegranate seeds?"

~~

It was at the same time, that Hannah's quest to find her missing child, found her standing in the Olympian throne room, threatening to worsen the state she had put the world in.

While (y/n) had explored the underworld, the overworld had withered, Hannah's wrath once again coming to the surface.

Sapnap shifted in his throne, "Well, Hannah, I may have some information, on the where abouts of your kid."

She turned on him, "What did you see?"

"It was a bit ago, they were out wandering, big hole opened in the ground, and they got in one lord of the Dead's chariot." He shrugged.

Wilbur swallowed as Hannah whirled on him, and slowly he held up his hands, "In my defense they agreed to come with me."

"Did they?" Hannah questioned.

"They did. (y/n) wanted to get away from you!"

The throne room was thrown into chaos as various gods and goddess shouted their opinions on the matter.

"Silence!" Dream yelled, "Wilbur, is what you say true?"

He nodded, "Yes M'lord."

Dream frowned, "This is a predicament indeed."

~~ When Wilbur finally returned to the underworld, it was with Ranboo trailing behind, both trying to formulate a plan where (y/n) could truly get a say in what happened.

They found (y/n) in the garden, sitting with Tubbo, and laughing candidly.

"(y/n) Are you aware that your mother has been looking for you?" Ranboo asked.

They jumped up, hiding there hands behind their back, "Well, I had assumed so, yes."

"Are you aware of the trouble that this has been causing the mortals? Hannah has begun a decay, and thousands of them starve everyday." Ranboo reported, "I am to asses the situation here and report back to Dream. So, allow me to ask a few questions before we prepare to decide your fate, have you permanently installed yourself here?"

"Well not permanently, but some of my things are here." They answered.

"Mhhhm, and you haven't done anything to effect the lives of the dead? er- afterlives of the dead?"

"Smooth one boss man." Tubbo muttered.

"Gods no." They shook their head.

Ranboo nodded, "Okay, and last one, hove you eaten anything during your stay here?"

The ichor seemed to drain from (y/n)s face, "Well..."

"Well what? (y/n) this could decide whether or not you'll be forced to stay here or not!" WIlbur exclaimed.

Tubbo grabbed one of their hands, holding it out for the gods to see the pomegranate juice that still stained the flesh, "One third of a pomegranate."

"Oh dear."

~~ It was decided that (y/n) would be brought in front of the council of gods, to advocate where they would like to stay.

After long hours of arguing, it was decided, that because they had only eaten one third of the pomegranate, they would remain in the underworld for one third of the year, and for the rest they would stay above.

However, after Wilbur advocated for it, the Gods agreed that (y/n)'s time above could be spent however they chose, and not in the slavery of Hannah.

Perhaps it was then, that they fell.

For in time, (y/n) grew to love Wilbur, and they married, becoming the king and queen of the Underworld,

[grecowitch]

To celebrate International Women's Day, I decided to create a post dedicated to Persephone (Περσεφόνη), including a retelling of one of her myths and a poem I wrote for her.

collage by me

Persephone is the goddess of spring and growth 🌸. She is also known as the goddess queen of the underworld and wife of Hades (god and king of the underworld).

by John William Waterhouse

One day, Persephone was picking flowers with her Nymph friends as she usually did in her favorite meadow. That's until Hades, having fallen in love with her the few times he ventured out of the underworld, decided to abduct her and make her his bride with her father's (Zeus) blessing, but without her mother's (Demeter).

by Evelyn de Morgan

Worried sick by Persephone's sudden disappearce, Demeter (goddess of the harvest) searched frantically for her with the assistance of Hecate (goddess of magick) and her torches. This ordeal lasted for nine days and nine nights without food or water. She didn't even bathe! Despair and anger filled her heart as soon as she found out that Zeus (god of the sky) was involved in their daughter's abduction. As a result, she refused to let plants bear fruit until Persephone was returned.

Realizing what this would mean for the world in the longterm, Zeus agreed to bring her back. However, Persephone had already eaten the food of Hades (pomegranate seeds), which meant she was bound to the underworld. Therefore, she spent every summer, fall, and winter with Hades. But come spring, she was reunited with her mother and Nymph friends.

by Frédéric Leighton

Persephone's yearly return to Earth in spring was marked by the blossoming of the meadows and the growth of the new grain 🌷🌾. In turn, her departure to the underworld in wintertime resulted in the withering of flora. 🥀

I shared this variation of the myth with all of you because it depicts the patriarchy's ironclad hold, but also people's ability to dismantle it, at least partially (for the time being). Demeter opted for eternal winter to get her daughter back. Even then, she didn't get her back entirely. Needless to say, LOTS of changes still need to made for gender equality and for the trauma from toxic masculinity to be healed.

No more ♀️<♂!Time for ♀️=♂️!

Now for the poem I wrote... In addition to Women's Day, spring is on the way, so it made sense to write a Persephone-inspired poem in both English and Greek. 🖊

English 🇺🇸

Ελληνικά 🇬🇷

Thank you for reading my post! 🤗💖

All Hail Persephone: the goddess of vernal equinox & queen of the underworld!

[acacesius]

hi rowannn ^-^ umm8, 10, and 17 for the asks!!!

hiii bunny!!! ^-^

What are some of your stronger UPG’s?

Hmm that Persephone is simultaneously in her queen of the underworld aspect and spring goddess aspect!! So she's constantly in both forms with me since even though it's winter for me, it is summer for another part of the world! So it's kind of trippy imagining her because it gets fuzzy if that makes sense :)

If you could have a direct conversation with your deity/deities right now, what would you tell them?

I would tell Hades, Persephone, and Hermes that I hope I can be better for them this year and that despite me being hard to reach at times, I am so grateful for their patience and faith in me

Do you associate certain Gods with specific songs? Share them!

Soak by Zola Jesus for Persephone

Whenever, Wherever by Shakira for Hermes

Hail to the King by Avenged Sevenfold for Hades!

[ghosthuntern]

Persephone and Hades

I had to write a Gothic version of a fairy tale for English; i chose the story of how Hades and Persephone met. It is different from the original story but my teacher seemed to like it. Enjoy.

Persephone dreamily wandered the forest.

It was the first time to herself she had received in weeks. Her mother had kept her home, she said it was for her safety, but Persephone knew she was just being overprotective. Her mother, Demeter, always had been, ever since she was a child. She kept her hidden away in a tower, only allowing her to see the light of day when Persephone had earned enough of her approval.

The tower where they lived was in the middle of nowhere, for hundreds of miles around there was nothing but tall, black trees, they caged the tower and blocked out most of the light. It was as if they lived in a giant cave with no exit. No animals came near, no flowers grew, and Persephone had never seen another person there for all her life.

As she kept walking further out of her woodland prison, unfamiliar noises stirred in the air. The sounds were lively, she had never heard such joyful music in her life. The louder it got, the brighter the forest became. Eventually she found herself in a clearing. It was the strangest sight.

There were birds circling in the air, singing a tune she had never heard before. There were flowers everywhere, they were the most beautiful things Persephone had ever laid her eyes on. She began picking some to take home with her, it would be something to brighten up her lonely tower. Although Persephone did not realize, she was not the only person in that clearing.

Despite the awe-inspiring view of the clearing, underneath led something sinister. Hidden within the lovely clearing, was the entrance to somewhere dark. The underworld. The lair of Hades.

Hades could see Persephone, he watched her in amazement, picking the flowers. She was stunning, her elegant features put the flowers she was holding to shame. Her long red hair fell gently on her olive skin. Hades fell in love immediately, in one glance there was nothing in the world more important than her. He needed her, she was his sun, his oxygen, his water. He decided in that moment that she had to be his wife. With her, the underworld would be a brighter place, she would bloom there and rule by his side. All he needed was a plan to get her there.

It would soon be dark; Persephone made her way back to her tower. Her mother was waiting by the door when she arrived home – waiting to lock her up all over again. Demeter would not let her bring in the flowers, she tossed them to the floor and scolded Persephone for travelling so far.

That night Persephone laid in her bed, awaiting sleep to take her. Before she fell asleep, there was a tapping at her window.  She looked up to see a man peering through. He was as pale as the moon and his hair matched perfectly with the blackened sky. He almost looked like death incarnate if it were not for his soft eyes and smile. She got up and walked over to the window. She was many stories up and had no idea how he had gotten up so far. She opened the window and looked down; the strange man was floating. He reached out his hand to her. Without any reason behind it, she felt the need to take it. Before she could her mother ran into the room. She screamed at the sight of the King of Death. Demeter lunged at him; she would not allow him to take her only daughter. As she reached the window, about to grab onto Hades, he moved aside.

Persephone watched her mother fall from the tower. Her scream was long and bloodcurdling. Although the thud at the end made her skin crawl. Her mother was dead. She did not know whether to feel relief or sadness. Persephone was free from Demeter’s grasp, but now had no one to point her in the right direction. Before she could try and process things, the man came towards her. He bent down on one knee in front of her, almost like a proposal. He reached his hand up towards her. She found herself compelled to reach her hand towards him.

As soon as their skin touched, Persephone found herself out of her tower. She was in a dark throne room. The man was sitting upon one of the thrones, there was an empty one next to him. His arm stretched out, beckoning her to his side. She sat in the throne by him. A crown of black roses appeared on her head. The man’s voice shouted out.

‘All hail Persephone, Queen of the Underworld’.

[astranne]

Crossover Idea Percy Jackson/Vikings

This is just another excuse, to make a female Percy Jackson and ship her with a character I like.

So, we start with the era of the gods, the greek ones. After the romans take over the known world, the greek gods grow weaker and when the christians come, they slowly ‘die’. They use their power for the last time and create Themyscira, the island of the amazons. All the female demigods come back to life and become amazons, Queen Hippotyta gives birth to triplets, the oldest is named Rhea and is the last daughter of Poseidon, the second born bears the name Persephone and is the daughter of Hades. The youngest is Diana and a daughter of Zeus. With their birth, the greek gods finally rest, their essences are being held in the temples, well, after they all bless the daughters of the big three. (They all have black hair, but different eye colours and the face of their mother)

So, times flows slower on Themyscira, the three grow up, the amazons life in peace and yeah. Each daughter has been gifted with a special armor (like Wonder Woman, but Rhea’s armor is blue/silver and Persephone is black and gold) each sister has a lasso of truth, a sacred sword, shield and the weapons of their fathers. Rhea has Poseidons trident, Persephone Hades’ helmet and Diana the spear of Zeus. They learn to control their powers, Rhea becomes a great leader, Persephone a gifted seer and Diana is one of the best healers. One day, all three sisters dream of three men. They hail to different gods, powerful as once the greek ones were. Ragnar, the son of Odin, Floki, the son of Loki and Rollo, the son of the eldest Berserker. The three of them, together with Rhea, Persephone and Diana will show the world the true wrath of the gods. They don’t tell their mother, but when the dreams become more frequent, they do.

Anyway. The finally tell Hippotyta, who just sighs. She knew, that her daughters would do great things one day, but she hoped, she had still some time. But she has hope. In new world, the humans don’t belive the storys of their gods. The don’t have the knowledge and power to hurt her daughters. 

So, the three sisters take their weapons, armors and a ship and sail north.

Now we come to Ragnar, Rollo and Floki. Like in the serie, Ragnar marries Lagartha and has two children, until he begins to dream about a beautiful, godlike warrior and her two sisters. She’s the daughter of Poseidon, of a sea god, who died, because of the lack of faith. He becomes thoughful and slowly rejects Lagertha, who’s pissed as fuck. When he tells her about her dreams, she takes her daughter and leaves Kattegat, because her husband dreams about a woman, who he never met and says she’s the daughter of a god and a princess? yeah- no. She sails away and then comes to Wessex.

Rollo dreams about a fiercy healer, the daughter of a god of the sky and a princess. He knows, she’s important, like her sisters and stops fucking other womans. He also has dreams about a man, a great warrior, who he later realizes was his father. 

Floki first hated the idea of other gods, but when this mysterious woman became a big part of his dreams, the daughter of a god of death and the underworld, he thought about it. He tells Ragnar first, who also admits of such dreams. This becomes their greatest secret, until one day Rollo hears them. He then tells about it too and the three realize, the gods have great plans for them. And some years later, three sisters come to Kattegat.

Since the amazon are blessed by the gods, they can understand any language, also the ones of the animals and are connected with the nature. And since the three are children of the most powerful greek gods, they have even more power. Earl Haraldson tries to take them as his mistresses, but they fight against him and win. 

“I am Princess Rhea, daughter of Queen Hippotyta, ruler of the amazons and the great King Poseidon, the earthshaker. If you lay another finger at me or my sisters, I will kill you.” The whole village is there, when the fight starts.

“My name is Persephone, secondborn Princess of Themyscira, daughter of Queen Hippotyta and King Hades, the one who brings death and controls it.”

“I am Diana, Princess of the sky and the amazons, the daughter of the mighty Hippotyta and the powerful Zeus, the King of the sky. I know, that we are not like you, but we are warriors, blessed by the gods. Not by yours, but still blessed.” When Ragnar, Rollo and Floki finally arrive, Earl Haraldson is shouting something about their death, but is stopped by them and the seer.

“Don’t touch them, Earl. They are children of three brothers, three gods and descendants of War himself. Their gods died long ago, to make place for ours, but they are still daughters of... the most powerful ones. Poseidon, the sea, Hades, the death and underworld and Zeus, the sky.” 

“Their mother... is a Queen, a daughter of Ares, the god of war and rules the amazons, similar to our valkyries. Kill them and you will be punished, be our gods and theirs... but I am sure, they would kill you first.”

“The gods have great plans for you, daughters of gods. Great ones...” Never has the seer spoken so clearly about something, so Earl Haraldson let’s them ‘life’. 

The three vikings and the three sisters meet each other at the feast. The men are totally smitten, just like many others, but the three make it clear, in who they are interested. 

Now it goes pretty much like the series, Ragnar sails to England, while Rhea stays at Kattegat and looks after his son. At first, Björn has been wary, but realized, that his father and this amazon fit better together then his mother and his father. The two of them always fighted and Rhea brought peace in the house. She’s still passionate and as strong as the storm, but mostly calm. 

Rollo and Diana immediatly hit off, so she goes with him to England. While Floki is accompanied by Persephone. The two of them bond over their wisedom, wits and the love and faith for the gods. So, the whole shit with Earl Haraldson happens, but Ragnar is healed by Rhea. After Ragnar becomes Earl, she sends words to her mother, some weeks after the first amazons arrive. The whole series speeds up, Ragnar becomes much faster King, while Rhea is the crown princess to the amazons. 

Rollo becomes known as the Berserker and Diana as the storm woman, Floki becomes the name; the spawn of chaos (he loves the name) and Persephone the woman who controls death or Hela. Ragnar is just refered as the son of Odin and Rhea as the stormbringer. 

So, a year later, Ragnar sails as the King of the vikings together with his Queen to England, Wessex. Her aunt, Antiope will look after Kattegat, just like the other amazons. And Rhea is pregnant the first time. Ragnar meets for the first time King Egbert and is rather surprised to find Lagertha by his side, as his Queen. His own daughter stares at him with pure hate, just like his former wife at Rhea. 

“Ahhh... Ragnar, it’s nice to finally meet you.” 

“It’s King Ragnar”, says a amazon automatically. Lagertha frowns, while Egberts smiles flatters. 

“And who is this beautiful woman by your side?” 

“My wife, Rhea, the stormbringer, Queen of the northmen and the crownprincess of Themyscira. Daughter of Queen Hippotyta and King Poseidon, the earthshaker.” Rhea nods with her head. King Egbert invites them to a bath in his bathhouse. He and Lagertha watch with careful eyes, how Ragnar starts to undress himself and steps in the water. Rhea let’s her coat falling on the ground, showing herself in her armor. She takes her headpice out of her hair and slowly removes piece for piece of her armor. Lagertha is full of envy, when she sees her naked and besides Ragnar, who pulls her onto his lap. 

“A christian lives in a roman house... how interesting.” Egbert is surprised, she could speak his language and knows, that this is roman. 

“How do you know, my Lady?”

“My parents are from ancient greece and I am well educated.”

So, Egbert and Ragnar talk about their lives as kings and such, much like in the series. Lagertha glares daggers at the new wife of Ragnar, she should be Queen of the vikings, not this bitch. She regets sailing away, maybe she could’ve talked some sense into Ragnar. But he dreamed about her, about this daughter of a sea god... and she is mere mortal.

Rhea smirks at Lagertha while playing with Ragnars long hair. When Egbert looks away, she controls the water and makes a dagger. Lagerthas eyes widden, Rheas grin becomes bigger. 

So, Ragnar goes on raid, doesn’t let Rhea come with him bc she’s pregnant. Some timeskip. She births twins, names them Romulus and Remus, becomes pregnant again. Names this son Ivar. 

Anyway. Ragnar is happy, Rhea too, basically everyone. She gives births two other sons, Ares and Thorund and a daughter, Odina.

so yeah... 

If you want to write a story about this, please tag me, so I can read and reblog it! 

Masterlist

[amarabliss]

All hail the new queen... (Original Hades Story)

I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m bored, dealing with a lot and this seems to be interesting at the moment. If people like it maybe an occasional thing here and there.

You fought your way through the maze of the underworld to make a deal with the King…intrigued the lonely king listens…

“I want to make a deal!” You shouted into the air holding your blooded arm, “Please…please answer me…”

Hades stepped out from behind the pillar watching you drop to your knees grimacing from the pain of the wound you’d gotten in the maze. When he spoke, his voice echoed against the walls making his location hard to pinpoint in the dark temple, “You think yourself worthy to deal with the King of the Underworld?”

“No.” The answer surprised him. It wasn’t often a mortal could pull that off. Your face was pitiful as sweat and tears fell down your face, “No, I am not worthy, but my brother is. He gave everything to a country that doesn’t even want to recognize his sacrifice.”

“Did he die?” He glanced over to the river of souls out the window, a mesmerizing ripple of colors depicting the different souls and their destinations of the afterlife.

“No…but he was paralyzed from the waist down…he tried to kill himself with the feeding tubes. He was completely blue when I found him.” You hung your head as you shut your eyes letting the painful memory wash over you. A side effect of the Underworld was that any real memory had was amplified, almost as if you were reliving the moment.

“And you…what? Want me to give his mobility back?” He took another step out watching you take a deep breath in.

“Yes…you wouldn’t just be helping him. You’d be helping my whole family. Jonah is the only good thing that has happened…he’s made something of himself…” You began to look back toward.

“Don’t move.” He watched you freeze instantly. You listened and that was a good trait for what might come next, “And what would you offer in return for this miracle?”

You swallowed as he stepped up right behind you, “Whatever it takes.”

Always the answer. Every human was so noble, so ready to throw everything away. Hades sighed before he knelt behind you. You shivered when his cold touch moved your hair away from your ear as he leaned in whispering, “Whatever it takes?”

“Yes.” You shut your eyes trying to remain obedient.

“Your soul?” He let the backs of his fingers trail down your neck.

“Yes.”

“That’s too easy. Your soul is already going to end up here eventually…No…I would need a real sacrifice.” He let both his hands grasp your shoulders.

“Name it.” Your voice was firm, “Whatever the price is I’ll pay it.”

He flexed his fingers on your tense frame letting his eyes scan over the room. His landed on one of the many statues at the altar. Persephone…She visited when she was required, but thousands of years changed the relationship. Despite that rules that dictated she had to help in the winter, they rarely spoke. Perhaps it was the blood of gods that kept them from truly forming a real relationship, but now wasn’t the time to speculate on that.

“I want you.” He whispered finally as fog began rolling in from the annexes, “All of you…A woman who would find her way down to hell is someone with potential…what say you to that?”

“…” Your eyes opened for a moment. He could tell you were thinking it all through. It wasn’t a simple request, but it would get you everything you asked, “One more condition…”

“That’s not how this works, you want a deal…I gave it to you.” He pressed his mouth against your ear.

“Please…it doesn’t stop me from being here.” You whispered shutting your eyes once more before turning your head slightly, “Allow me to tell you no on occasion. Little things…eat this…no…read this…no…stand here…trivial things and small annoyances…I promise I will not do it every day…but allow a small rebellion.”

He tilted his head in thought before taking in a breath, “Only if you look me in the eye when you say no. So, I know it’s that request. Do we have a deal?”

“Yes.” There was no hesitation.

“Good.” He reached a hand forward in front of you, “Open your eyes.”

You did so, seeing his pale hand in front of you. His palm was open holding pomegranate seeds. You let out a soft laugh recognizing the gesture, “I did not think the king of hell would be so poetic…”

The warmth of your fingers didn’t shock him. He was naturally colder then any creature, but when you turned putting the fruit in your mouth making eye contact with him, it shook something inside of him for a second.

Your eyes locked with his with intensity as the deal was struck. Somewhere far away on the surface, your brother felt warmth return where he’d been cold for so many months.

He regained himself quickly as a smirk fell on this face, “I have my moments as you will find.”

[amethyst-butterflies]

Group Ritual to Celebrate Hades and Persephone this Autumn

A group of friends and I are performing Samhain rituals, so I thought I would write out a ritual to perform to celebrate the descent of Persephone to the underworld and to give offerings to our favorite Underworld deities. Feel free to share! A lot of this was based on rituals I researched and then created my own setup based on what felt right.

Set up altar:

Plate of honey cakes baked with pomegranates and poppy seeds

Alternatively, anything to do with pomegrantes, flowers, mint, etc

Incense - Frankincense, Sandalwood, Vanilla, or other flower incense 

Bowl or pitcher of Khernips (lustral water) to wash hands

Plain water is good, too - the act of washing alone would be enough <3

Candles - black and white 

Tea lights are what I plan to use - very affordable!

Wine - Red

Pomegranate juice would be lovely, too <3

Chalice/Cup to share wine together after the hymns

Vase of flowers - fake or real

Begin with cleansing:

Wash hands with khernips/water

Light candles and incense 

Open the ritual with a prayer to all the Theoi - can be improvised, or you can use the one I wrote below:

Praise to the Theoi, gods of heaven, earth, and the underworld. May you bless up, keep us safe, and watch over us as we perform these rites in your names. Thank you for all that you do, all that you will do, and all that you have done. 

Take the wine and pour some of it into the ground - begin walking in a circle around the others as you recite the Orphic hymns of Hades and Persephone(edited for length), continuing to pour the wine periodically:

Daughter of Zeus, almighty and divine, come, blessed queen, and to these rites incline: Only-begotten, Plouton’s honored wife, O venerable Goddess, source of life: O, vernal queen, whom grassy plains delight, sweet to the smell, and pleasing to the sight: Espoused in Autumn: life and death alone to wretched mortals from thy power is known: Hear, blessed Goddess, send a rich increase of various fruits from earth, with lovely Peace; Send Health with gentle hand, and crown my life with blest abundance, free from noisy strife; Last in extreme old age the prey of Death, dismiss we willing to the realms beneath,  To thy fair palace, and the blissful plains where happy spirits dwell, and Plouton reigns.

Hail Plouton, magnanimous, whose realms profound are fixed beneath the firm and solid ground, In the Tartarian plains remote from fight, and wrapt forever in the depths of night; Terrestrial Kthonios, thy sacred ear incline, and, pleased, accept thy mystic's hymn divine. Earth's keys to thee, illustrious king belong, its secret gates unlocking, deep and strong. 'Tis thine, abundant annual fruits to bear, for needy mortals are thy constant care. Thy throne is fix'd in Hades’ dismal plains, distant, unknown to rest, where darkness reigns; O power all-ruling, holy, honored light, thee sacred poets and their hymns delight: Beneficial to thy mystic's works incline, rejoicing come, for holy rites are thine.

When the hymns are done, set the wine down and kneel on the ground, patting it three times. Bow your head, stand back up.

Pour the wine into the chalice to share. Say a prayer as everyone is drinking, can be improvised:

Thank you to Hades and Persephone for your constant care, for your judgement, for your calming grace, for all that you do in our lives. We share this wine in your name and may this libation and offering be pleasing to you, and may our hymns reach your ears. Thank you for all that you do. 

When the wine is finished, pour khernips over the hands to wash them again, then blow out the candles lit for the ritual. 

Closing prayer, addressing all of the Theoi, can be improvised:

Thank you to the Theoi for watching over us this night. May we be blessed, may we be graced with your words, your voices, and your presence as we continue these rites. Thank you for your wisdom, your peace, and your love. Thank you for all that you do, for all that you will do, and for all that you have done. 

Bow to the altar and the rite is completed.

Orphic Hymns (#17 and 28) can be read in full here: https://www.theoi.com/Text/OrphicHymns1.html

[ofbloodandfaith]

My thoughts get pulled between Hellenic and Cymraeg polytheism constantly, which comes from worshipping two very different pantheons.

But it happens in my life too, like the two jobs I have had this year one has been in Cwmbran (Bran - Welsh) and Swansea/ Abertawe (Swan - Zeus - Hellenic), and my new job that I start in a month is back in Cwmbran.

A coincidence maybe, but it is something I think about.

[rebellionandforbiddenfruits]

Hail and welcome to Hades, Lord of the Underworld, King of the Dead. Many blessings and thanks to you for all you do. Blessed be.

Hail and welcome to his wife Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, beautiful and badass. Many blessings and thanks to you for all you do. Blessed be.

[hadesglance]

All hail the new Queen... - 30

You fought your way through the maze of the underworld to make a deal with the King…intrigued the lonely king listens…

Part One  Part Two  Part Three  Part Four  Part Five  Part Six Part Seven  Part Eight   Part Nine  Part Ten  Part Eleven Part Twelve  Part Thirteen  Part Fourteen  Part Fifteen  Part Sixteen Part Seventeen  Part Eighteen  Part Nineteen   Part Twenty  Part Twenty-One   Part Twenty-Two  Part Twenty-Three  Part Twenty-Four  Part Twenty-Five  Part Twenty-Six  Part Twenty-Seven  Part Twenty-Eight  Part Twenty-Nine

THIS WAS HARD...so hard...but here it is! Please enjoy! and i love you all for sticking with me! Not edited cause I was just too excited I pumped it out!

You stood looking into the dark…rough…route that you were about to take. You swallowed already beginning to feel the effects of the Underworld. Your fears were creeping in on you, your insecurities suffocating, and every bit of darkness trying to blind you.

“This is madness…” Poseidon spoke shaking his head, “you can’t really be thinking of sending her in there…into Tartarus were even we will go mad if subjected to it long enough…”

“What choice do we have?” Zeus crossed his arms staring into the darkness, “She’s the only one who can…”

“She’s human!” Poseidon cried out.

“And she can hear you.” You turned around looking at both of them. You crossed your arms letting out a tense sigh, “Instead of finding all of my weaknesses…tell me about what I’m going to face.”

Zeus looked over to Apollo who was standing off to the side staring into the darkness, “Apollo…”

Apollo took a deep breath in taking a step toward the open doorway of Tartarus, “It’s a cold place…in every sense of the word…Tartarus will take everything you hate about yourself and use it to attack you.”

He looked at you with a frown, “Every fear, every doubt, every regret…it will surround you and try to break you.”

“So, I need to be fast…the longer I stay the harder it will be…” You looked back out taking in a deep breath, “Is there a map of this place?”

“A map? Why would there be a map…souls that are damned here are meant to get lost inside…” Poseidon chuckled looking at Zeus to back him up. His brother was silent as he stared at you, “…there’s a map!?”

Zeus let out a sigh offering his hand to you, “Come with me.”

There was no hesitation as you took his outstretched hand disappearing with him into dark stacks. You watched him snap his fingers and a lantern floated down from above, “Where are we?”

“The library.” He told you catching the lantern with his hand and began walking forward, “It’s where we keep all the records…”

“Records for what?” You looked up at him seeing the blue glow cast off his face and when he didn’t answer you asked a different question, “When I asked about a map you got very serious, Zeus…what’s going on?”

“I’m going to show you something,” He turned down a row that led to a hallway. Everything felt very ominous, “I want you to know everything before you make a final decision to rescue my brother.”

“Zeus there isn’t…” He raised a hand silencing you.

“I know you love him. I know he loves you.” He smiled at you sadly, “But I have to do this to honor him. He would want you to know everything and make an informed decision.”

He moved into a small room that only held a desk and chair. It reminded you of one private study rooms in the campus library. He set the lantern down showing it scattered with papers and scrolls. He looked up to you waving for you to take a seat.

You watched him as you moved around the desk to the chair. You had never seen Zeus so serious before and it worried you, “Zeus…”

“Read this…” He pushed a piece of paper towards you.

You swallowed as he also pushed the lantern over toward you. Pick up the piece of paper you seeing what looked like gibberish. You were about to tell him you couldn’t, but the letters slowly ignited transforming in front of you becoming legible.

“The doors will open, when the moment comes that summer ends, the young one shall cause a rise of faith and an age of justice. Mortal blood will spill in the halls of Olympus, upon that night the exiled one will awaken in his cage.” You felt your hand tremble a little slowly connecting the dots more and more, “The monster will break his chains bringing pain as he steps back into this world, seeking vengeance. The old one will walk away, as the newcomer’s sacrifice marks the rise of hope, upon that day what was shrouded will be revealed…”

You looked up at him setting the paper down, “What sacrifice must I make?”

“I don’t know.” Zeus frowned shaking his head, “But it will be a big one…you’re dealing with a titan and he is nothing but hungry. Y/N it will be meant to hurt both you and Hades.”

You felt something shift inside of you when he said that last bit, “Okay…and even if I get Hades out…it doesn’t seem like we defeat Cronus…”

“Which is why if you give us time…” Zeus spoke but fell silent as you shot out of the chair.

“Time is something Hades doesn’t have!” Your voice raised, “Even now…Cronus is doing unfathomable things to Hades…to my husband…Zeus…Please…”

He stared at you for a long time before he turned slightly from you, “Hecate…”

You looked over toward the entrance seeing the goddess emerge form the dark hall. She held a scroll in her hands looking at you, “Have you made your choice then?”

You looked at Zeus then back to her, “I have…”

You watched her step forward again holding the scroll out to you, “I have held onto this map for a very long time. Hades had me seal it away after he mapped it out all those ions ago. I doubt it is accurate anymore as Tartarus lives and changes as any living thing does. But if you’re willing to bring back the King of the Underworld and know the risks…then you have only but to take it from me.”

You reached out taking if from them both, “Why must everything be so dramatic with you all?”

“Because it has to be a choice.” Zeus spoke softly as you began to unroll the scroll, “If we just gave it to you…it would be a task given, not a choice wanted. You chose to seek Hades for help, willing to give up everything for your brother. You chose to learn about him. You chose to love him.”

You understood, but to you it was so obvious what the choice was, you didn’t understand why they wasted the time. You moved the lantern to the corner of the map to hold it open. You took in a deep breath, “That…is…a mountain.”

“If you can’t do it…it’s alright. We’ll find another…” Zeus stepped toward you shaking his head.

“I didn’t say I couldn’t do it.” You looked at him edge in your voice, “Far from it…I need you to take me home.”

You had a map…you had the drive…you swallowed as you looked back into Tartarus. Take a final deep breath in you turned back to everyone, “I’ll be back…with Hades.”

“Wait…” Apollo stepped forward producing a bow from behind his back, “Take this…”

You looked it in your hands shaking your head, “I don’t know how to use one of these…I can’t…”

“It will do the work for you.” He smiled a little placing a hand on you shoulder getting you to look at him, “I was the god of archery before many of the other things I learned about…just make sure you shoot from the heart.”

“See…you go and give her a gift and ruin my entrance…” Poseidon stepped forward as you set the bow and it’s quiver against your leg, “I’d give you my trident…but I’m a bit partial to it…so instead you get this.”

“A shell necklace…” You looked at him eyes widening as he held out a string of small shells hooked together, “…thank you?”

“Don’t give me that stupid look.” He shook his head smirking a little, “ You ever wonder why you can hear the ocean inside them? This necklace was created to keep people from entering your mind.  Now it’s Tartarus, so I doubt it’ll be a hundred percent effective but…hopefully it’ll help a little bit.”

“Poseidon…” You looked at it in your hands before you smiled putting it over your head, “Thank you, I’ll make sure to return it.”

“Ugh you two are awful…” You looked up again seeing Zeus push through the both of them smirking a little, “acting like this is some detrimental plan…You’re going to be fine, right?”

“Yes, even more so with their gifts.” You tried to give him a brave smile, “I think everything is set then…”

Zeus frowned taking your hands in his, “You don’t have to do this…”

You slowly took your hands from his, “You’re right…I was meant to do this.”

You turned from him before anyone of them could say anything else. Draping the quiver across your back with the bow as you strode toward the mountain bike you traded Lana for. Throwing you leg over it you zipped up the leather jacket before glancing back over your shoulder at the three gods.

Three powerful beings resting hope on a human’s shoulder to save their brother from the deepest depths of the Underworld. You looked away before you started to cry pulling the helmet over your head strapping it on. You had to believe it was all meant to be. You were the one who made a deal with the King of the Underworld to be by his side.

Afterall you were Queen of the Underworld, right?

The engine roared with power. You stared through the gate at the climb you were about to make. By studying the map, you were sure you could make a good distance before Tartarus really began to affect you. Of course, you could only get so far with the bike, it would get narrower the closer you got to the center and you would have to walk.

You were about to push off when you heard someone yell out behind you, “Wait!”

“Percy?” You cut the engine as Persephone ran forward to the three gods. Zeus shook his head looking down at your, “Darling what are you doing here?”

“Athena…she…” Percy looked over to you breathless, “She wanted…Y/N…”

Zeus looked down at his daughter seeing what was in her arms and nodded, “I see…”

You watched him take worn out cape from her arms and walk toward you, “Zeus…”

“Do you know what this is?” He asked you, holding it in his hands.

“I can guess yes…” You frowned a little, “I don’t want to lose something like that…Aegis is a too much…”

“It’s not my gift to give you…and believe me you don’t want to be on Athena’s bad side.” Zeus took it wrapping it around your shoulders clasping it on your shoulder, “Aegis isn’t a normal shield like you mortals think…I wore it when I first met everyone when rescuing them, and I didn’t know it’s power then. It’s fitting that you use against our father again.”

“Zeus…” You could feel this warmth spread through you as you touched the hem of it, “…I’m losing my courage.”

“Then I suppose it’s time for you to go.” He leaned forward kissing your forehead, it burned and somehow you knew he was blessing you, “I really like you…so please be smart.”

He shut the visor before you respond to him. Smart…sure…you were just heading into what was basically hell…cool. He was right though; it was time to go.

You didn’t look back after you started the bike this time. Instead you swallowed trying to wet your dry throat before you revved the engine a couple times before releasing the brake. You rocketed off spinning out slightly before gaining control.

The incline approached quickly. You gave it more gas as it began to get steeper and steeper. Already you could feel cold seeping into your body. You were not meant for this place and it was letting you know. You ignored it keeping your eyes narrowed swerving around boulders and crumbling away sections.

You felt like gravity was beginning to push back at you as the incline only got more intense. You gritted your teeth pushing the bike as far as you could. A flash sparked in front of your eyes and you were falling over the edge of the cliff with the bike. You felt your stomach jump to your throat as you began to fall.

A flash again and you were back to riding. Somehow you knew it was about to happen…you pushed the bike to it’s max and soon you saw the foreseen cliff. You felt the bike catch air from the speed. It wasn’t enough though.

Grunting you pushed yourself away from the bike reaching out. You landed hard against the cliffside clutching onto it desperately. You cried out as everything muscle pulled your dead weight over the edge. You rolled away from the side breathing hard before sat up pulling off the helmet.

Cursing you stood up looking over the edge at the broken bike below. Your brow began to tingle a little bit. You let your fingers brush over the spot where Zeus had kissed you, “Thank you…”

You turned back to the rest of Tartarus as your breath floated out from your like small trail. You adjusted the special gifts on your body before you began walking forward. You had made a good distance. Not how far you wanted to get, and you wanted the bike for an escape plan…

But what good Greek myth was ever easy.

You began to climb feeling your limbs only get colder with each step. You kept repeating over and over to yourself, “Hold on Hades, I’m coming.”

A slow mantra that seemed to get you through the rest of the climb. Shaking you made it to the summit. You sat there feeling exhausted and broken. You crazy to do this…

“Stop…” You shook your head getting to your feet leaning against a boulder.

But you were crazy. You were worse then that you were stupid…who goes to a god and makes a deal with them without knowing what to offer. What an idiot…the arrangement had only brought you heartache. You could have had another year with your father had you not been by his side…

“Stop.” You gritted your teeth shaking your head as you pushed yourself forward, “That’s not true…”

Of course, it was true. You could have offered him anything. You were to eager to help your brother…too eager to please…

The inner monologue of doubt and self-worthlessness continued with each bitter cold step. You only found yourself stopping once almost breaking down, but that was when you heard the laughter. You knew its owner and a fire raged inside of you that made you run.

You ran toward it skidding around a corner pulling the bow out from behind you with an arrow thinking of the target in mind. The laughter only grew louder as you entered dark hallways only lit by blue flamed braziers.

“Oh my…is that supposed to scare me.” You heard bounce against the walls as you raised the bow up a little, “They certainly decked you out in what they could, didn’t they?”

“They care about me…something you wouldn’t understand.” You growled a little, eyes narrowing as you searched the shadows for any signs of him.

“Correction.” His voice hit the walls like falling ice, “They care about you enough…they only want Hades back…”

“That’s not true…” You turned the corner, “If that’s all they wanted why waste such powers on me?”

“So, you do recognize what you have…hm that’s good.” You felt breath on the back of your neck. You spun quickly hearing him laugh as you released the arrow, “You’re gonna have to be faster than that…Oh wait…your human, so you can’t.”

“Where is he?!” You shouted out hearing your own voice bounce off the walls.

“Oh…is that all you want? He’s over here…” You turned again seeing the flames brighten and large alter appeared. Attached to the altar was Hades, arms chained to each end. His head was hanging, his normally well-kept appearance bloody and dirty.

You ran to him dropping the bow next to you as your reached up to his face, “Hades…Hades, it’s me…it’s Y/N, please…”

“Oh, how sweet…the human truly loves him.” You froze hearing footsteps behind you. You pressed your forehead against Hades’ as Cronus spoke again, “It makes me want to vomit that my son has reduced himself to someone of your species…”

“Let him go.” You hissed turning your head toward him feeling your eyes burn with angry tears.

“Well, well! You are motivated…” He laughed as he turned from you, “I don’t think I will though. He hasn’t learned his lesson yet.”

You don’t know what came over you as your reached down for the bow. In a swift motion you drew back another arrow launching it at the Titan. Your eyes widened as he turned grabbing the arrow in the arrow. He looked down seeing the tip hand just pierced his chest over his heart.

“Hm…” He threw the arrow to the side before whisping right up to you grabbing your roughly by the throat. His eyes were dark as his whispered, “I am time itself…you think I didn’t know what you were going to do? You think I don’t know how far you’re willing to go?”

You swallowed feeling his fingers burn against your neck as a tear fell down your cheek, “What do you want?”

“There we go…” He took his other hand wiping the tear away with his thumb before sticking it into his mouth. His eyes shut as he made a satisfied noise, “Mm! There is nothing like the desperate tears of a lover…makes for the best ingredients, did you know that?”

He threw you back roughly against the floor in front of Hades before he went on, “If my son had even a smidge of the fire I just saw in you…we would never have been here. I almost had him refined into the god he should have been. Rhea coddled him too much. Made him soft…”

“He is not…” You looked at him shaking your head, “He’s what keeps the world in balance! He believed by almost every single belief system. He is who he has always meant to be!”

You looked at Hades seeing a soft glow around him, “He is everything I love…and I wouldn’t want him to be anything else. So please…”

Cronus watched you stand up and turn slowly to him clenching your first, “What…do you want?”

“…” You watched as a sick and twisted smile grew on Cronus’ face before he turned in a circle, “What do I want? That is the question isn’t…you see I want a lot, but that’s not for you to know…so…to appease me now well…”

He stopped in front of you holding out his hand to you smirking, “Let’s…make…a deal…”

You looked surprised which made the Titan laugh, “You didn’t think he was the one who created deals first, did you? Do you know how often my family wanted things changed and forgotten?”

The words hung in the air for a moment. You finally looked away from him crossing your arms, “Fine…Terms first…I take Hades home. To his family. Without any problems and you never do this to him again.”

“Oh, strong term.” He smirked bringing his hanging hand to his chin crossing the other across his chest, “I can accept all of that…if…”

You waited for it. You knew it wasn’t going to be pleasant, but you didn’t expect how cruel he could be, “…by the time you leave Tartarus you forget Hades.”

“What?” You stared at him, “Forget him?”

“Every step you take…” Cronus stepped toward you letting his hands flutter out from him, “A memory will fade away ceasing to exist…you have no recollection of him or his siblings by the time you leave…”

“Why?” You felt yourself tearing up looking back at Hades’ broken form, “Why are you so cruel?”

“Because he took everything from me! Now I’ll take everything from him!” You hissed in pain as Cronus grabbed your arm roughly. Light exploded pushing him away from you and you heard him cry out in pain.

You looked down at the cloak around you. It shimmered purple as handprints appeared all over it. Hades’ handprints. Aegis became what you needed in the heat of battle. Even hanging by a thread Hades was still protecting through is love. You swallowed before you nodded knowing exactly what had to be done.

“Deal.” You whispered seeing surprise ripple over his features, “I need Hades in the world…just as much as the world does. If forgetting him brings him back…then I’ll do it.”

“Well then…” He stepped forward holding out his hand to you, “Let us seal the deal.”

You reached out with no hesitation as you looked into his eyes taking his hand firmly, “Then it’s done.”

“So, shall it be.” The sound of chains falling behind you made you turn. Cronus gripped your hand tightly pulling you back to him, “Don’t try to find a way out of this…”

“I don’t intend to.” You pulled your hand from him turning to the slumped Hades. He wasn’t awake and you had to figure out how to get him out of here.

“Tick tock dear…you don’t want to be here forever do you?” Cronus spoke gleefully as you hoisted Hades’ arms over your shoulders.

His face brushed against yours as you took a step forward. You felt a shiver run over your skin as a fade image of him leaning over you helping you with homework just seemed to trail away into dust. You felt your lip tremble a little as you began to walk forward.

It was just as he said…memories began to fade away. The first stretch was the hardest. It seemed to take every little thing he’d do around you. The things you secretly enjoy. The way he sipped tea while reading. How you’d catch him staring at you and look away embarrassed.

The second stretch as you reached the summit was hard but it seemed more targeted. Conversations you had with him began to disappear. Moments where he made you felt safe above everything else. You collapsed feeling the tears flow freely down your face as saw the cliffside ahead of you.

You looked at Hades before pulling him into your lap. Frowning as you swallowed down a sob as you brushed his hair from his face, “I love you…”

He looked to be in rough shape, but he was breathing and deep down you prayed he could hear you, “I love you…don’t ever think that I didn’t. So much so…that’s why this hurts so much…”

You leaned down kissing him before you started to cry holding him to your chest. You hated this…you hated you did this to yourself, but the world needed him. You needed him to be in the world…You sniffed sitting up hoisting him up again as you looked at the cliffside wondering how you were going to manage this.

As you stood up balancing him against you, you felt a rumble through the ground. You looked over as a boulder fell away revealing a path. You let out a sigh shaking your head looking around at Tartarus, “If this you pitying me…thank you…”

You moved down the path slowly. It took you down to wear the remains of the dirt bike was. You frowned feeling another memory fade…Bay of Kotor…moped…

What? You looked at Hades’ face shaking your head as you kept moving. You had to keep moving. You had to get him home.

You legs screamed as you pulled him up the path to the steep incline you entered on. It was all downhill here. You shut your eyes clutching him to your chest as you felt his head slide into the crook of your neck.

You gasped as the image of being his room clutching to you as you were an anchor keeping him safe from the nightmares. You swallowed down the pain your heart felt and the pain your body reminded you of as you stood up again. You didn’t have the words anymore…

You descended carefully as you could, but with the weight of him your footing slipped out from underneath you. You pulled him to your shielding him with your body until you both stopped at the bottom. You were sure something was broken as you moved to look at him.

You let out a whimper as felt another pivotal memory slip away…the spring festival…his kiss… in front of everyone…As you looked at him you felt all the warmth you felt around him begin fade away. You pushed yourself up grabbing his arm putting it around shoulder as you looked forward.

The exit was there…it was so close and yet you didn’t know why you were doing this…you didn’t know why you hurt to badly…and you couldn’t understand why these people yelling for you were waving so frantically. Were you in a race?

No…you looked down to the man next to you. A gentle smile came to your mind and disappeared as you felt a pair of strong arms grab hold of you as you fell forward. You looked at a very attractive man in front of hold you up, “Y/N…are you okay?”

“I…I don’t…” You looked around putting your hands on his arm looking over at a woman and two other men looking over the man that had been with you, “I don’t know?”

“What did he say?” The man holding you got your attention, “What did our father say? How did you get him back?”

“Who?” You squinted at the man watching his face fall as pain crept on you, “I think…I think I need to go to the hospital…”

“I…” The man nodded frowning as he looked back to the others, “We’ll get you there…just hold on…just…rest…”

With his voice washing over you, you felt your eyes slowly begin to shut as trickles of a conversation filled your mind.

“And what would offer in return for this miracle?”

“Whatever it takes.”

“Whatever it takes?”

“Yes.”

“Your soul?”

“Yes.”

“That’s too easy. Your soul is already going to end up here eventually…No…I would need a real sacrifice.”

“Name it. Whatever the price is I’ll pay it.”

…

“I want…”