Lore Olympus Persephone Controversy

A Goddess Reimagined: The Lore Olympus Phenomenon

"Witness what the gods do… after dark. The friendships and the lies, the gossip and the wild parties, and of course, forbidden love." – Official WEBTOON synopsis for Lore Olympus

With its vibrant neon palette and a modern spin on ancient myths, Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus has become a global sensation. Since its 2018 debut on WEBTOON, this contemporary romance reimagining the tale of Hades and Persephone has captivated millions, amassing over a billion views and winning prestigious honors like the 2022 Eisner Award for Best Webcomic. Its success has even led to a planned animated series from The Jim Henson Company, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking digital comic.

Yet, at the heart of this beloved series lies a heated debate surrounding its pink-skinned protagonist, Persephone. Critics and fans alike are divided over her portrayal, questioning if she is an overly sexualized figure or a symbol of modern female empowerment. This ongoing discussion touches on complex issues of artistic license, body image, feminism, and how ancient myths are adapted for today's audiences.

The vibrant art of Lore Olympus, praised for its unique style, has also become a focal point of criticism regarding character design. (Image: Rachel Smythe/WEBTOON)

The Heart of the Controversy: A Sexualized Goddess?

The central point of contention is Persephone's physical depiction. In the webtoon, she is drawn as a short, curvy young woman with a pronounced hourglass figure, often dressed in form-fitting or revealing outfits. While this is part of the comic's signature aesthetic, some readers argue it crosses the line into over-sexualization, feeling it is at odds with her mythological identity as a youthful goddess of spring.

Discussions on fan forums like the r/Lore_Olympus Subreddit and its more critical counterpart, r/UnpopularLoreOlympus, frequently analyze this aspect. One user’s translated comment captures the sentiment of many who are uncomfortable with the portrayal:

"I never understood why Rachel sexualized Persephone so much... It saddens me that Rachel did this because Persephone in Greek mythology wasn’t like that... Me having those same kinds of attributes makes me uncomfortable with myself... I never thought when I was a teenager that a female character could make me feel uncomfortable and insecure."

This highlights a key concern: that Persephone’s flawless, hyper-feminine body may reinforce unrealistic beauty standards, especially for the comic's large young adult audience. Video essays on YouTube, such as those analyzing "Lore Olympus and the male gaze," further dissect how camera angles and panel compositions often seem to emphasize her curves, which critics argue can undermine the story's empowering themes.

A Stark Contrast to Classical Myth

For those familiar with Greek mythology, Smythe’s Persephone is a radical departure from her ancient origins. In classical texts like the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, Persephone (or Kore, the maiden) is an innocent young goddess associated with flowers and renewal before her abduction by Hades.

Ancient and classical art reinforces this image. Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s 17th-century sculpture The Rape of Proserpina and Frederic Leighton’s 1891 painting The Return of Persephone depict her as a slender, graceful figure embodying youthful modesty rather than overt sexuality.

Frederic Leighton’s “The Return of Persephone” (1891) portrays a demure, ethereal goddess, a stark contrast to the webtoon's modern interpretation. (Image: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons)

In contrast, Lore Olympus presents a feminist reinterpretation where Persephone has agency, entering a consensual relationship with Hades and discovering her own power. Supporters view her curvaceous design and bold sexuality as symbols of empowerment, fertility, and confidence befitting a Goddess of Spring. Many praise the series for featuring a full-figured protagonist, seeing it as positive body representation. On platforms like Tumblr and Twitter, fans celebrate her design, with one user noting, "I love that Persephone is short and curvy – she’s adorable AND sexy, it’s great to see that body type represented as desirable."

Sensitive Themes and Power Dynamics

The debate is complicated by the webtoon's handling of sensitive topics. In a significant departure from myth, the story includes a plotline where Persephone is sexually assaulted by the god Apollo. While many have praised Smythe for her thoughtful exploration of Persephone's subsequent trauma and journey toward healing, others felt the subplot was mishandled within a story marketed as a romance.

This ties into another layer of criticism: the power imbalance in Persephone and Hades' relationship. In the comic, Hades is an ancient, wealthy, and powerful king, while Persephone is introduced as a naive 19-year-old college student and intern. Although the narrative addresses this gap, with Hades himself expressing hesitation, some readers find the dynamic troubling, echoing broader pop culture debates about romanticizing relationships with significant age and power disparities.

The Creator and the Community

Creator Rachel Smythe has not directly addressed the sexualization controversy. However, in interviews, she has explained that she envisions Olympus as a world of glamour and excess, which influences the exaggerated, "godly" physique of her characters. Her supporters argue that Persephone's visual portrayal is part of her character arc, reflecting how she is objectified by others before learning to own her identity and power.

The fan community remains vibrant and divided. On one side, thousands of fan artists and cosplayers on Instagram celebrate Persephone's design, viewing her as a powerful and inspiring character. On the other, critical fans use hashtags like #LOreCriticism to discuss concerns about the art, pacing, and handling of complex themes, stressing that their feedback comes from a desire to see the popular series improve.

Conclusion: A Living Myth

The Lore Olympus Persephone controversy is more than a simple disagreement over art style. It is a complex conversation about the representation of women in media, the line between empowerment and objectification, and the artistic freedom to reinterpret ancient stories for a new generation.

The debate has not dented the webtoon's immense popularity; if anything, it has fostered a more critically engaged readership. As Lore Olympus continues its story and heads toward an animated adaptation, these discussions will undoubtedly shape its legacy. Whether Persephone is viewed as a sexualized caricature or a modern feminist icon, her story has proven that myths are not static relics—they are living narratives that evolve, provoke, and reflect the values of their time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Lore Olympus?
A: Lore Olympus is a popular romance webcomic created by Rachel Smythe. It’s a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone, set in a contemporary version of Olympus where gods use smartphones and attend lavish parties. The comic is available on the WEBTOON platform and is known for its distinctive art style and exploration of both romance and serious themes like trauma.

Q: Why is there controversy surrounding Persephone’s character in the comic?
A: The controversy mainly centers on claims that Persephone is depicted in an overly sexualized way. Some fans feel her character design—including an exaggerated, voluptuous body and revealing clothing—objectifies her and is not true to the spirit of the original Greek goddess. This has sparked debates about body standards, artistic license, and the story's feminist themes. There are also concerns about the story’s handling of the age difference and power dynamics in her relationship with Hades.

Q: How does Persephone’s portrayal in Lore Olympus differ from the original Greek mythology?
A: In Greek mythology, Persephone is usually depicted as a young, innocent maiden and queen of the Underworld after her abduction by Hades. Classical art shows her in modest attire. In Lore Olympus, she is reconceived as a modern young woman with a curvier, more voluptuous body and contemporary, sometimes revealing outfits. The webcomic also gives her more agency in her relationship with Hades, reframing the abduction myth as a consensual romance that develops over time.

Q: Have the creators or WEBTOON responded to these fan criticisms?
A: Creator Rachel Smythe has not directly addressed the sexualization controversy in a formal statement. However, in interviews, she has explained that her art style is meant to portray the gods as glamorous, larger-than-life figures. WEBTOON's main response has been to ensure the series has appropriate mature content warnings for episodes dealing with sensitive topics, in line with its platform guidelines.

Q: What is the status of the Lore Olympus TV adaptation?
A: An animated series adaptation of Lore Olympus was announced in 2019, with The Jim Henson Company attached to produce. As of mid-2024, the project is still in development, and further details regarding a release date, platform, or casting have not been publicly confirmed.