Butterfly Symbolism

By Mel

In Lore Olympus butterflies are closely related to Persephone and her role as Goddess of Spring. We have even seen her dissolve into a kaleidoscope of butterflies when she becomes overwhelmed, much to Hades despair. Our columnist, Mel (ambrosiabee), has some theories about how butterflies relate to Persephone’s experiences in Lore Olympus.

BUTTERFLY FACTS AND MYTHS

The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, referred to butterflies as psyche, the greek word for soul, which also shares the name of Eros’ mortal lover, who is immortalised in Greek mythology as the Goddess of the Soul. The word psyche is still commonly used to describe our thought patterns, and is where the word psychology, the study of the mind, comes from.

In line with this, there is a Roman sculpture which depicts a butterfly exiting the mouth of a dead man. This represents the Roman belief that the soul leaves the body through the mouth. Doesn’t the panel of a drunk Hades blowing a butterfly Persephone in the air kind of resemble this belief?

Photo from Webtoons

Metamorphosis

The three-step metamorphosis of a butterfly can also represent one’s spiritual transformation. If we compare this metamorphosis process with Persephone’s spiritual transformation, we can see a lot of similarities.

1. The Caterpillar-stage: This stage symbolizes our earthly selves, our preoccupation with the physical plane of existence. Was this the time when Persephone was trying to distract herself with her hobbies, to ignore her “feeling”, around the time that moving to Olympus was herbiggest wish?

2. The Chrysalis-Stage: This is the stage where the caterpillar dies inside of the cocoon, and is transformed into a beautiful butterfly. This could refer to Persephone’s nightmare, when she' is trapped inside a greenhouse by her mother. This might symbolise her fears of being held back by her mother whilst her true desires rot at her feet. Once the butterfly is fully transformed, it needs to flap its wings very hard in order to break free out of the cocoon. Does this stage symbolize Persephone’s “major growth” in the Underworld in episode ****. Could her overexhaustion and pushing herself to the brink of hibernation, have broken down her mental prison, similar to a butterfly freeing itself of its cocoon?

3. The Butterfly-stage: This is when the butterfly has emerged from its cocoon, but that doesn’t mean that the butterfly can immediately fly. It takes about 10 to 14 days for the wings to fully grow and dry up, before they can be used to fly. Could this stage symbolize Persephone now living in the Underworld (and her being able to fly longer than before), and being able to fully avoid Apollo?

Photo from Webtoons

A little theory:

But first a few facts:

• When a butterfly has emerged from its cocoon, it cannot immediately fly, because their wings are still wet. It will take time before their wings dry up.

• According to one study, swimming can potentially help reverse pain damage caused by stress and anxiety.

• As PTSD is a stress-related disorder, engaging in activities that help reduce stress or provide an outlet for nervous energy can be very effective in helping people living with their condition.

So, we know that Hades and Persephone enjoy swimming, and that for Hades it can be therapeutic - a means of alleviating their stress and anxiety. When they have fully healed, will they truly be able to fly because their wings aren’t wet anymore?

Other Interesting tid-bits

• In China, it is believed that when you see two butterflies flying together, they are considered to be the perfect emblem of Love. Remember that panel of Persephone’s two butterflies and Hades’ moth flying together 

• Butterflies cannot survive during cold weather, because they cannot regulate their own body-temperature. So when they notice that the temperature is dropping, they will migrate to a warmer climate. Maybe that’s why when Persephone turned into butterflies during her first kiss with Hades, she flew to Olympus, instead of staying in the Underworld?

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