All the plants began to wither and die. Zeus, chief of the gods, promised Demeter he would bring Persephone back. But she could only return if she had not eaten any food while in the Underworld.
Zeus drew the heavens, Poseidon the seas, and Hades the underworld (Apollodorus, 2nd century CE). The central myth about Hades involves his abduction and rape of Persephone, daughter of Demeter.
When Demeter finds out what has happened she is inconsolable; she curses the Earth and the plants begin to wither and die. Zeus sends Hermes to bring Persephone back - and he must hurry ...