Lore Olympus is a webcomic created by Rachel Smythe that retells the story of Hades and Persephone with a modern twist, and also features other stories from Greek mythology woven into the tale. I’ve always loved Greek mythology, but you don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy this free webcomic. Lore Olympus is absolutely wonderful to read, and coupled with Smythe’s aesthetically pleasing comic style, I found myself counting the days until the next update each week. I highly recommend this webseries to everyone I know. It’s important to note there are some episodes that deal with themes of abuse which might not be suited for younger teens or others sensitive to those topics. However Smythe has labeled each of these at the very top of the comic so you won’t be caught off guard. The first season has just wrapped up with 115 episodes, so to celebrate and look back on the series so far I’m gathering some of the top moments from some favorite characters! First up is none other than Kore/Persephone, the Maiden/Bringer of Death. Let’s look at five times the Goddess of Spring rocked Olympus and beyond, shall we?
5. Calling her mother, Demeter, to beat up Ares
Throughout the series so far, we see that Persephone has a bit of a mischievous streak. One of those moments was when she screamed for her mother upon discovering Ares had taken advantage of her kindness and lied about not being able to read … all so he could make out with her. Could she have handled him on her own? Absolutely. She might be young and naive but she is a powerful goddess. But it was much more fun for her to have her mother tie him up and beat him with her pitchfork. Her sly kiss and wave as she left was clearly the mark of a goddess satisfied with her revenge (even if she regretted it later). And Ares was right, he absolutely had that coming!
4. Blackmailing Minthe
Persephone and Minthe have never been on good terms. On their first meeting, Minthe sends her to the Underworld Corp Tower 4, where she stumbles into Tartarus and is almost killed. We don’t see Persephone bring that moment up again, despite numerous chances for her to do so, until she needs something … and then uses it to blackmail Minthe into helping her. Being raised in the mortal realm left her without the computer skills she needed for her internship, and she was terrified of being under-qualified for the position. So, rather than face a potential failure, Persephone turned a little to her dark side.
3. Stealing Apollo’s lyre
Persephone has stood her ground against Apollo a few times, but the theft of his lyre is when she (literally) declares war. It’s where she realizes Apollo should feel the same fear towards her that she feels towards him. Persephone stops letting that fear overwhelm her and becomes increasingly defiant towards Apollo, much to his annoyance (and my rage at his annoyance). I’d watch my back if I were you, Apollo. Persephone has made it clear she’s out for blood.
2. Growing a forest in Tartarus
Growing an entire forest, where nothing is ever meant to be alive, is no small feat. But Persephone managed to do it effortlessly at only nineteen years old, despite the sporadic control she sometimes has over her powers. It’s our first glimpse into just how powerful she is and just how wrong those who underestimate her are. Yeah, I’m looking at you, Apollo.
1. Wrath against the mortals
The season finale finally revealed why Persephone’s name was changed from Kore. The rage and resentment she bottled up inside from years of being hidden, given limited freedom, and being told what to do and who to be came bursting out at the death of two nymphs before her eyes, caused by careless mortals digging up rose bushes on sacred land. She appears before them and transforms into a terrifying, merciless goddess who slaughters the entire town for its sins with a ferocity that surprised even Helios. We’ve been teased with moments where Persephone might not be the the innocent amateur goddess she appears, but the attack on the mortals ties everything together with the apparent birth of her red-eyed alter ego.
Did your favorite scene make the cut? Let us know in the comments! Lore Olympus will return for season two in August. In the meantime, stay tuned for future installments featuring Artemis, Hades, Hermes, Hera, and more! Plus, be on the lookout for a special top ten Hades and Persephone moments!