coloricioso:
Drawing of Hades and Persephone based on this...
Drawing of Hades and Persephone based on this vase. Along with this one, we have many depictions where Persephone is shown doing the “veil gesture” (anakalypsis). As acceptance of the marriage, a woman would hold the tip of the veil with her left hand and “unveil” her face. In vases, Hades and Persephone were also depicted next to Eros or many Erotes, and same idea is repeated in terracota plaques or sanctuaries decorations. This -along many other evidences- proves that for Ancient Greeks, Hades and Persephone were a good marriage accompanied by love.
Also it is really important to remember, as some scholars have researched (see Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones) that ancient Greek women turned the veil into a tool of self-expression and identity; what was initially supposed to be an imposition from men became a medium of self-expression and wider freedom (for example, women could leave home and walk through the city and engage in more activities by wearing their veils). Despite the fact they belonged to a pathriarcal and sometimes very misogynistic society, ancient Greek women were incredible strong and played important roles in daily life and they always pursued the best for them with the tools they had. So… please stop reducing Persephone into a helpless creature and erasing the fact her marriage was actually good; she was seen as a strong, amazing and a powerful woman/goddess by Ancient Greeks, and she was even considered a patroness of marriage in some cities.
