The Seeds trilogy by M.M. Kin is a compelling retelling of the myth of Persephone and Hades. The first volume gives a detailed account of the life of the goddess Demeter, Persephone’s mother, leading up to Persephone’s birth and their lives there after. The first volume ends shortly after Persephone is taken by Hades, god of the underworld, and picks right back up in the second volume. It is in this second volume that the reader truly gets to know Persephone as she in turn learns about herself.
The book cover for the second volume is a simple, painting-like image of a broken open pomegranate with a few seeds scattered about. The pomegranate is the fruit often associated with the Persephone and Hades myth for the important role that it plays in the ending of their tale. The use of a pomegranate on the cover of this volume is not only representative of the original tale, but of the developing relationship between Persephone and Hades in the novel as well.
“She pressed the pomegranate against her cheek, closing her eyes as she felt its cool rind against her flushed face. All she had to do was eat one seed, just one seed. It would be sweet and wonderful. And she was alone! Alone to enjoy this succulent treat, and have eternity. In a different tale that belonged to another race of people yet unknown to Hellas, the story was that the serpent convinced the woman to eat the forbidden fruit, and her head became full of knowledge that had not been intended for her. Just one seed. What harm of a taste after all… (Kin 90).”
In Greek mythology, the pomegranate is symbolic of female fertility and the marital loss of virginity with the consummation of marriage (from both its red stains and rich seeds). While this does somewhat fit with the original tale, the pomegranate holds another significant meaning in the novel, temptation. From the very moment that Persephone sets foot in the underworld she is met with temptations from Hades. These temptations ranged from a sensual nature, to simple things such as exotic foods and gems. Hades sees and treats Persephone as a woman, not the little girl that her mother would have her remain. He shows her the beauty of his realm and all that he has to offer her. ““For a God whose heart is supposed to be as cold as his realm, you are so warm and kind. You make it hard to resist,” she murmured.“Why should you resist? You know how much you are enjoying yourself.” “Much as I hate to admit it,” she sighed” (Kin 501).”
The use of red and black shadows on the cover of the novel are symbolic as well. Kin portrays Persephone as having red hair. Such a vibrant and bold color is fitting for the goddess of spring growth and future queen of the underworld. Whereas Hades is described as dark and intimidating towards others. In the novel Hades makes constant use of his control over the shadows. The encroaching darkness around the vibrant, red pomegranate on the cover of the novel is very representative of Hades slowly drawing Persephone into wanting to remain in the underworld. The cover of the novel does an excellent job of hinting at things to come, without being over the top.
Bibliography
“ESTATE &Amp; ATTRIBUTES OF APHRODITE : Greek Mythology.” ESTATE & ATTRIBUTES OF APHRODITE : Greek mythology. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. <http://www.theoi.com/olympios/aphroditetreasures.html>
Kin, M.M. Seeds. Vol. 2. N.p.: M.M. Kin, 2013. Print.
“The Myth Of Hades and Persephone.” Greek Myths Greek Mythology. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. <http://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/myth-of-hades-and-persephone/>
This is such an intriguing piece! I wan't even aware of this series.. which sucks because I have always been amazed with mythology. What I love about this piece is that it has the perfect combination of information and mystery to allow me a general overview while not totally giving everything away. This encompasses the information that I would be looking for if I were reading the description on the back of a book at Barnes & Noble. The more in-depth analysis of the pomegranate on the cover is able to discuss the mythological context as well as the role it plays in this series. The tone of the piece is relaxed and professional/serious at the same time which allows the reader to be convinced, intrigued and informed all at the same time. Personally, this is a helpful piece for someone who enjoys mythology..or even for someone who doesn't but still enjoys reading fiction. I would have loved to see some more mythological images, if possible! I think that would have tied together the traditional look at mythology with this newer work of mythological fiction (if that makes sense). Great piece!
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