Lore Olympus takes the myth of Hades and Persephone and molds it into a contemporary retelling. Lore Olympus Chapter 51 ends with Persephone attempting to serve baklava to Hades to show gratitude. However, she receives an ice-cold rejection, as he claims it is not appropriate, leaving her puzzled. Making this emotional endeavor even more complex is the kiss she sees between Hades and Minthe. The Lore Olympus Chapters 52-59 uncover more issues, like misunderstanding and jealousy between this odd couple. 

Lore Olympus: Persephone’s Underworld Tour

Lore Olympus Chapter 52: Doubled Booked Hecate

In Lore Olympus Chapter 52, Persephone is heartbroken as she sees Hades with Minthe. However, she ends up complimenting them as a couple. The scene reaches a higher point when Hermes enters the elevator and sees a very stressed Persephone. Relatable awkwardness is also present when she mentions her “first-day nervousness.” She then gives the baklava to Hermes, which she initially got for Hades.

Pretty soon, Hecate appears, inducing even more comic relief in the plot. She starts interrogating Persephone since the paperwork is way behind schedule because of her missing driver’s license. Shocked, Hades reacts in a dramatic way because it’s against the rules. His concern for her safety is evident in their playful argument about her driving without a license. By the end of Lore Olympus Chapter 52, Hecate realizes she has other errands to run, so she asks Hades to guide Persephone through the rest of her underworld tour.

Chapter 53: The Press Intervention

Lore Olympus Chapter 53 begins with Hecate persistently convincing Hades to take the tour, and he eventually gives in. Meanwhile, she reminds Persephone to go take a photograph at the support office. The narrative then moves to a discussion between Alecto and Hecate, where Alecto expresses disbelief in Hecate’s intentions to be a matchmaker. Hecate says that she is acting in the best interests of the underworld.

Persephone tries to get his attention during the expedition, but Hades remains indifferent, leaving her worried. Her plea for Hades to slow down reveals a speed discrepancy. Yet, it is not all doom and gloom since the chapter takes a rather dramatic twist when a reporter shows up. He bombards the goddess of spring with questions about her relationship with Hades.

Lore Olympus Chapter 54: Disappointed Photographer

Lore Olympus Chapter 54 begins with the God of the Dead, who is furious and protective of Persephone. She warned the reporter not to provoke her as she had been bothered numerous times that week. At one point, she holds his hand tightly, then gasps after realizing her action and lets him go. As the reporter is still persistent in demanding a statement, she decides to make one. She states that Hades, King of the Underworld, has been very accommodating and kindly granted her a tour. This diplomatically unsound statement disappoints the reporter. The photographer, however, requests a photo. When the flash goes off, it reminds Persephone of the terrible night with Apollo. As a result, she covers her face, and Hades instructs the reporter to go away in a harsh manner.

Hades looks at Persephone’s actions, and she tells him not to worry before changing the subject. He asks her later if she’s upset with the reporter and is surprised by her response. She admits she was angry, and he urges her to express his anger. She replies, “I am not a king, and I cannot do as I please.” He informs her that his being a king does not provide him with permanent privilege.

Chapter 55: Hecate Angry with Minthe And Thanatos

Lore Olympus Chapter 55 begins with a friendly conversation between Hades and Persephone. When they reach the gateway for mortals’ final judgment, Persephone humorously remarks that it resembles a lobby, highlighting their easy harmony. He explains the importance of proper attire for the recently deceased, emphasizing his care in easing them into the afterlife. Her initial confusion softens as she learns about the delicate handling of the deceased.

In the next scene, Hecate is busy trying to buy a jacket online when she is interrupted by the added presence of Minthe and Thanatos, who Persephone aggravates. Minthe taunts Persephone while Thanatos complains about her working at the library. Hecate does not pay any attention to their childish complaints. Amidst all this, the jacket she was eyeing goes out of stock. She sharply rebukes them for their petty grievances, emphasizing the underworld as a workplace. Persephone, in the changing room, thinks about Hades and herself. Lore Olympus Chapter 55 ends with her hearing a weeping noise.

Lore Olympus Chapter 56: Persephone As Fury

Lore Olympus Chapter 56 starts with Persephone coming across a crying woman. Naturally, she reasons with the woman to explain why she is in such distress. The woman explains that she found out only this morning that the man she loves has a new girlfriend. Persephone cheers her up, saying the guy is not worth a charming lady like her. As if to show appreciation for Persephone’s words, the woman asks her to borrow some clothes from her because they are the same size.

The scene then proceeds to Hades, who is impatiently waiting for Persephone. To her surprise, Hades is astonished upon seeing her clad as a Fury. He offers her a new business card, signaling their working relationship, yet the atmosphere is intimate. She asks him what will happen if she messes up the assignment. In a tender moment, Hades compliments her intelligence and power.

Chapter 57: Introducing Acheron and Styx 

Lore Olympus Chapter 57 begins with Hera reflecting on a vision from when Persephone visited, questioning its accuracy and origin. Though she’s doubtful it involved Hades, Zeus interrupts her thoughts. She subtly confronts Zeus about Apollo, hinting at her suspicions and foreshadowing future tensions.

The scene changes, and Hades takes her to Acheron Beach in the mortal realm, which is linked to the underworld. Whispering to avoid disturbing new shades, he explains how souls arrive with the help of Hermes and Thanatos, enriching the world-building. Charon, the boatman of the dead, shows Persephone each soul that comes to him, requiring one obol for passage. Those who cannot pay are made to languish on the shores for a numbingly long period of 100 years.

The river Styx, carrying souls for judgment, is also introduced. One shade approaches Persephone and begs her to help his farm, calling her Goddess of Fertility. Very soon, there were many such brash requests from her. Hades very tenderly tells her that she may wish to speak to her mother, Demeter, about this, which causes her concern. 

Lore Olympus Chapter 58: Hades Explain Persephone

Lore Olympus Chapter 58 begins with Zeus describing Apollo as hardworking, handsome, and a replica of himself in his younger days. While Hera talks about the disturbing vision that she has been having of Apollo, Zeus does not pay any attention to her and almost rolls his eye at the insistence. Unwavering in her beliefs, she confronts him about his bias in defending the beloved Olympian. He considers that if her guess is correct, then it will be a pity for Apollo’s image and for their choice of Olympians. He undermines the matter by belittling Persephone’s status, angering Hera, who storms out.

Meanwhile, Hades is giving Persephone a tour of his word, but he knows her absent expression. To soothe her, he tries to reassure her about her position as a goddess of fertility. He tells her that Demeter probably thinks she is doing it for her own good and even explains the irony of applying that in her case. He tells her that if she is a fertility goddess, she has to be careful in his world as some are likely to harm her. In a tender moment, he offers his protection, and Persephone acknowledges she might need his support. Their conversation is secretly overheard by Thanatos, hinting at looming dangers.

Chapter 59: Minthe And Thanatos

Lore Olympus Chapter 59 begins with Persephone revealing her story of the mortal world to Hades. She recounts her and the flower nymph’s routine, toiling hard in the fields during the day and swimming in the evening. That is how they would spend their evenings, fond of each other and sleeping in the open sky.

The gods of Olympus find such things harder, and she adjusts less to their gentler mannerisms. Hades chooses this precise moment to ask how she ended up at Tower 4 that night. This question reveals his territorial instinct; he is protective of her and wants to know what transpired that led her to the place.

The narrative shifts to  Minthe, still boiling over Hades, taking Persephone on a tour of the underworld. Her frustration escalates when she receives a mysterious message instructing her to come to the supply closet in Tower 1. Upon arriving, Minthe discovers the sender is Thanatos, setting up a cliffhanger as their confrontation and potential scheming begin to unfold.

Rachel Smythe is indeed a very gifted writer, as shown in Lore Olympus Chapter 52-59. If you have yet to explore “Lore Olympus,” it is worth checking it out today. In the comments, share your opinion and join the discussion. Don’t forget to check back for new reviews and more thoughts.