Why Lore Olympus Resonated With Me as a Survivor

Trigger Warning: This article discusses sexual assault, harassment, and trauma. Reader discretion is advised.

I was an early reader of Lore Olympus after it was signed with WEBTOON. As a long-time fan of Greek mythology and retellings, I knew it would be right up my alley—and it was. It was a fresh take on Hades and Persephone’s relationship, unlike anything I’d read before.

But what I didn’t expect was how deeply it would resonate with me.

The original myth of Hades and Persephone contains heavy themes, and Rachel Smythe didn’t shy away from them. One notable theme in Lore Olympus is sexual trauma and PTSD. What Persephone goes through in—and after—Episode 24, when Apollo sexually assaults her, is not uncommon. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetime, and nearly 45% of women have experienced some form of contact with sexual violence.

I am part of that statistic. I was violated by a once-trusted family member, then again by a boyfriend who ignored my “no.”

In the aftermath of Apollo’s assault, Persephone experiences guilt, fear, and emotional distress. Meanwhile, Apollo attempts to gaslight her into believing the encounter was consensual. It takes over 40 episodes for Persephone to confide in others—eventually exposing Apollo.

Like Persephone, I struggled under the weight of emotional distress. It took me a long time to tell someone what happened. Unlike Persephone, I didn’t have people around me who wanted to protect and help me.

Rachel’s portrayal of Apollo as a sexual predator is important because the people who prey on you usually aren’t strangers in dark alleys—they’re people you know. According to a report from McGill University, over 80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. These are the “nice” people in your life, which adds layers to the guilt and trauma—never mind finding someone to believe you.

In Lore Olympus, Apollo relies on his reputation and standing as a god to cast doubt on Persephone’s claims—something that happens in real life. He also knows Persephone is friends with his sister. Apollo is a stark reminder that even the well-liked “nice guy” can be a perpetrator of sexual violence.

This particular arc of Persephone’s story resonated with me because, like her, I experienced violation by someone I knew. I experienced coercion. Gaslighting. Guilt.

Lore Olympus depicting Persephone’s growth, strength, and empowerment was bold and brave. It was something younger me needed to read while going through it. To know that my feelings are valid and that I deserve to be safe might have saved years of therapy.

While I acknowledge the story isn’t perfect (I see you, naysayers), I believe Rachel took her responsibility in telling it seriously—because I know it has been a great comfort to survivors of assault. For those who need it, Lore Olympus offers something rare: a story that doesn’t look away, and a character who survives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual trauma, resources are available. Reach out to RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org.