Introduction
This series offers a collection of specially-written songs based on the Ancient Greek myth of Persephone. Together with the story they recount the adventures of Persephone – her time in the Underworld and her eventual return to earth. The songs, music activities and literacy links can also be put together to make your own performance of the story.
The programmes
Over the first six programmes the children learn one new song in each episode. This is taught, section by section, by the presenter. The songs are revised in programmes 7 and 8 and here the children have the chance to sing them all the way through from beginning to end. They will be singing along to a full and accurate performance of each song. If you have time you may also choose to sing the song all the way through at the end of programmes 1 to 6 by playing the relevant section of programme 7 or 8. If you would like to give a performance of Persephone you could add your own narrative, based on the events in the story extracts which run throughout the programmes. There are music activities at the end of the first six programmes and the children are encouraged to join in with these.
1. Demeter makes everything grow. audio
In the first programme of the series we meet the goddess Demeter - mother of Persephone - who makes the crops grow.
2. Hades' song. audio
In the second programme we meet Hades - god of the underworld - who's feeling very sorry for himself.
3. And they went down! audio
In the third programme of the series Hades takes Persephone down to his underground kingdom.
4. She's everything to me. audio
In programme four we return to Demeter, mourning her missing daughter Persephone and searching everywhere for her.
5. Persephone said 'No!' audio
In programme five Persephone is offered magic food by Hades - if she accepts she will have to stay underground with him forever.
6. Persephone is home. audio
In programme six Persephone is finally free…she is reunited with her mother, but her freedom has been won at a price.
7. Rehearsal and performance 1. audio
The first of two programmes rehearsing the songs from the series ready for a performance.
8. Rehearsal and performance 2. audio
The second of two programmes rehearsing the songs from the series ready for a final performance.
Teacher's Notes. document
Download / print guidance for the series including lyrics and music (pdf)
