It’s time to dive into Lore Olympus Volume 3. For context, Lore Olympus is a modern adaptation of Greek Mythology. The primary story revolves around Hades and Persephone’s relationship. Rachel Smythe’s webcomic doesn’t stray away from trauma, but it’s more palatable for a modern audience. That being said, Volume 3 starts with Episode 50 Nark and ends with Episode 75 Fate. As these titles imply. Tension is high at home. Artemis feels responsible for Persephone’s chastity while she’s living in her home. That’s why men are restricted from her house, but Perse’s abuser Apollo is welcome to come and go as he pleases. To be clear, Artemis doesn’t know what Apollo did, but they’re twins. Revealing the truth would cause more harm than good. Artemis uses Persephone’s naivete against her. It’s likely she feels a high probability of victim blaming from Artemis. Plus, she hasn’t fully processed what happened.
No Place Like Home
This makes Persephone’s environment very volatile. She’s aware that her friendship with Artemis is still in its infancy. She can’t even honestly share her thoughts and feelings about Hades without Eros being present. In a nutshell, Perse doesn’t know when she’ll be unwillingly alone with Apollo again. Reveling what happened could put her scholarship and independence at risk. She’d have to let go of a paid internship that could grant her financial freedom from her helicopter mom. After all, an heiress title is pretty worthless for a goddess. Ever frugal and controlling Demeter would rather keep Persephone at home than fund her independence. That may sound like a contradiction but homegirls likeness is being used to sell cereal in Olympus. You’d think Perse would get a cut of that.
It’ll Work Out This Time…Right?
Let’s not get started with Hades trying to have a real relationship with the Minthe. As Eros delicately put it, those two are an off again on again dumpster fire. Romantically, Hades in this adaptation of Greek mythology is a faithful…kind of… Meaning he isn’t moving from conquest to conquest like Zeus or in poly situationships like the very married Poseidon. Due to his low self esteem and Persephone maiden affiliation, he decides to have an exclusive relationship with Minthe. This river nymph makes it a point to constantly rub it in Persephone’s face.
That God Is Mine
That being said Hades and Persephone’s are drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. This makes it nearly impossible for Hades to compartmentalize his feelings. There’s a soothing and flirtatious aura between them that’s visible to the naked eye. That is why Aphrodite won’t let Perse take Minthe’s relationship as a loss. Any man that would compare her beauty to another can’t cast aside their feelings easily. Plus goddesses don’t loose to Nymphs. I’ll admit that’s pretty toxic. Some readers from the Lore Olympus fandom embrace “that boy is mine” trope because of Minthe’s terrible behavior and abusive personality. Still, a majority wanted Hades to realize his worth and have an clean split with Minthe. Y’all that’s not the best portion of Volume III.
A Moment Lost In Time
It turns out, Persephone has met Hades before. This first encounter is very important. Naturally, we don’t get to read it in Volume Three. Curiosity and a pinch of obsession leads Hades to the Fates. He wants to retrieve his shared memory with Persephone. Normally a request like this would need both parties permission. The Fates wave that for Hades wine. Of course, that’s not the only reason. The trio know that Perse will be their Future Dread Queen.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Volume 3 is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Unfortunately, Perse’s plight is relatable for many people. Watching her navigate this hostile situation is sad and frustrating. She’s finding her safe people, but she can’t even confide in Hermes. Her longtime friend and connection with Olympus is Apollo’s roommate. It’s like she’s trying to keep her ship afloat, but there’s damage below the deck. Her barely composed mask is breaking. At least we know that Persephone is destined to be Hade’s Queen. It’s just a matter of when and how.
Magnify Your Style 
Sharing is caring! Let me know what you think.