The World of Words: Vocabulary for College Success ... - eLibrary

200 Chapter 6 Word Elements: People and NamesPassageThe Greek Myth of WinterMyths are part of the cultural heritage the ancient Greeks and Romans gaveto us. This one is about how winter began. In modern times, science has explainedthe causes of violent weather and changes of season, but such eventspuzzled ancient people. Perhaps to gain a sense of control, they created talesabout the world around them. Note, too the “mother in law” in this story.Ancient Greeks and Romans told stories of gods who ate, loved, andhated just as we do, but on a larger scale. (1) Because these gods had gargantuanpowers, their smallest wish could mean disaster or good fortunefor the entire world. A misanthropic god might send deadly storms;(2) a philanthropic one might share the secrets of fire.(3) One ancient Greek tale of human-like gods deals with the genesisof winter. According to the ancient Greeks, the world was once awarm, green paradise where the goddess Demeter provided summerthroughout the year. But one day, Persephone, Demeter’s beautiful andvivacious daughter, wandered away from her friends to explore a field offlowers. Unfortunately, Hades, the god of the underworld, was visitingthe Earth and enjoying a panoramic view of the very same place. Withone look at Persephone, Hades instantly fell in love. (4) A rather degeneratecharacter, Hades simply carried her off to the underworld andmade her his bride.(5) Pandemonium broke out when word of Hades’s crime reachedthe other gods. Demeter frantically tried to get her daughter back, beggingZeus, king of the gods, to order her return. But although Zeus wasrenowned for his power, (6) Hades, a maverick among the gods, refusedto return Persephone.In her desperation, Demeter forgot to provide the world with the(7) warmth and sunshine vital to growing crops, and the Earth plungedinto winter. Plants died and humans faced starvation. Demeter’s griefwas causing the death of the human race! Zeus appealed to Hades, whofinally agreed to let Persephone return home, as long as she had noteaten anything.What had Persephone been doing while Demeter was trying to releaseher? Sitting unhappily in the underworld, (8) she had led a spartanexistence, refusing all the luxuries that Hades offered. She had eaten nofood—except for four pomegranate seeds. Alas! (9) Persephone had eatenonly a nominal amount, but she had eaten something. Hades did not haveto let her go.Copyright © Cengage Learning. All Right Reserved.