Chapter 3: Childhood
Charon: Welcome back dear reader. I am happy to announce that a certain loud and obnoxious goddess of witchcraft will not be joining us today due to an impromptu date with an incubus.
We learn in the previous chapter that Demeter has a fondness for humans, and feeds them just as they feed her pride; and wallows in their admiration. Artemis and Athena with the help of Hekate succeed in making Demeter desire a child, and hope that her need for validation and control are satisfied with raising a child instead of meddling in human affairs.
Let us continue with the story shall we.
Even as an infant Persephone was a sight to behold. Her striking features were sure to make any onlooker shower her with affection. After all it was not every day that an actual god (and not a demigod) was born on Olympus. On first seeing her, even Aphrodite commented on how beautiful she was (along with a few remarks on how she'd love to set her up when she was older).
Growing up Persephone spent an awful amount of time on Olympus much to Artemis's dismay. Demeter didn't spend a lot of time with Persephone. She was (quite understandably) not a woman who could be tied down by a child. The time that Demeter did spend with Persephone, was in the fields teaching her the art of the harvest. Perhaps she saw Persephone as an extension of herself or as a human that she was forced to babysit or perhaps didn't understand the concept of parenting at all; but whatever it was, she was undeniably controlling of her daughter. She expected this child that was in her care (when she was in her care) to look up to her the same way that humans do, and demanded unquestioning obedience; even though she barely put any effort into raising her, and more often than not dumped her on Olympus to be dealt with by others. Persephone to her was at best a future sidekick, at worse a nuisance and never her own daughter.
Even as a child, Persephone didn't take lightly to being ignored for months and then bossed around by her mother. She too was an Olympian after all. As a result Persephone spent most of her childhood looking up to the women on Olympus and started developing a slight resentment toward Demeter. But she was nonetheless a child and Demeter's absence had to be filled.
Hera readily filled the role of mother that was left vacant by Demeter, Zeus's presence though sparse was made up for by the many ornate gifts he brought his daughter. Most of her half siblings were surprisingly kind to her, especially Athena, who was more than happy to fuel her sister's unending curiosity and love of learning. Aphrodite loved how Persephone followed her around (a child that she was, she was attracted to her shiny jewelry and sweet perfume) and brought her sweet treats from around the world. She had all of Olympus wrapped around her little finger.
As she grew older so did her mischief. It didn't take long for the gods to make note of her amusing pranks, quick wit and sharp tongue. She and Hermes often bonded over elaborate pranks and inside jokes. Athena had settled quite comfortably into the role of elder sister and took it upon herself to mentor Persephone; and was ever surprised at her eagerness to learn and her proficiency at applying her knowledge. It would not be incorrect to say that Persephone was a smart, slightly stubborn child that won the hearts of all who encountered her.
Note: I do hope that you didn't miss Hekate too much, she says and I quote, "heyyyyyyyyy! Sorry couldn't make it this chapter. I can just imagine Charon butchering Seph's childhood with a boring monologue but I pinky promise that I won't miss the next one! Hugs and kisses".