In Greek mythology, Hades gave Persephone a pomegranate to eat in the Underworld.
Hades abducted Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, and took her to his realm. Demeter, goddess of agriculture, searched for her and caused the earth to become barren while Persephone was absent. Zeus eventually arranged for Persephone to return, but her eating of pomegranate seeds created a lasting bond with the Underworld.
The number of seeds varies among ancient accounts. In the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, Persephone eats a pomegranate seed; later retellings often say she ate several seeds. Because she had consumed food in the Underworld, she could not remain permanently among the living.
A compromise allowed Persephone to spend part of the year with Demeter and part with Hades. This seasonal pattern became a mythological explanation for the cycle of growth and winter. The pomegranate is therefore central to the myth, not merely a decorative detail.