Proserpine

Proserpine is the Roman equivalent of the goddess Persephone, the Queen of the Underworld in Greek myth.

The story of Persephone is one of the most famous in classical mythology. The daughter of Demeter, goddess of the harvest, Persephone was kidnapped by Hades and forced to spend six months of the year with him in the Underworld, during which time her mother allows no crops to grow. For the remaining six months of the year, she returns to her mother, bringing with her spring and new life.

This Latin version of Persephone’s name is influenced by the verb proserpere "to emerge; to creep forth", which is fitting considering her role as a spring goddess. The meaning of Persephone is "bringer of destruction". Proserpina is a more elaborate form of the name.

Pronounced pro-SER-pin; pro-ser-PEE-nee.