Who is the Greek queen of the underworld?

Persephone was the Greek queen of the underworld. She became the consort of Hades while also remaining a goddess associated with spring, vegetation, and the return of life.

Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter. In the central myth, Hades takes her to the underworld, and Demeter’s grief causes the earth to become barren. A settlement allows Persephone to return for part of the year, but because she has eaten pomegranate seeds, she must spend part of each cycle below the earth. Her periodic return explains the seasonal rhythm of growth and dormancy.

She is also called Kore, meaning “the maiden,” especially in contexts emphasizing her youthful or vegetation aspect. Hades is the underworld’s king, but Persephone shares authority there and is closely connected with the dead. Demeter is her mother and goddess of grain, while Hecate assists in some versions of the search; neither is the queen of the underworld.