...Persephone ' in Smith's Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, says : ' In the Mysteries of Eleusis, the return of Cora from the lower world...hence she was frequently represented on sarcophagi.' 3 Thirlwall considers that the Eleusinian mysteries had come down from a remote time ; he writes :...

...reappears in all its glory. In the mysteries of Kleusis the return of Cora (ie, maiden or daughter) from the lower world was regarded as the symbol of...represented on sarcophagi. In the mystical theories of the Orphics she is described as the allpervading goddess of nature who both produces and destroys everytinng....

...and hence she was frequently represented on sarcophagi. In the mystical theories of the Orphics she is described as the allpervading goddess of nature who both produces and destroys everything. In works of art Proserpina is seen very frequently ; she bears the grave and severe character of an...