“He saw darkness in her beauty and she saw beauty in his darkness.”
— about Hades and Persephone
The Faeries are divided into two courts - the Seelie (blessed) and Unseelie (damned). They are like Yin and Yang, neither being able to thrive without the other, yet still opposites. Typically, the Seelie rule from Beltane to Samhain, and the Unseelie rule from Samhain to Beltane. The Seelie are believed to be amicable, whereas the Unseelie are depicted as more hostile, almost malevolent. The Faeries themselves come from the Tuatha de Danann of Celtic legend - the people of the goddess Danu - and the Seelie Queen is often shown in likeness to Danu with her flowing red hair.
This became my favorite picture of all times after stumbling upon it many years ago. I love learning about the Seelie and Unseelie, but the picture isn’t depicting them.
I'm aware the picture isn't depicting them. I first came across the artist's work when it was used in a youtube video, but I thought the contrast between Hades and Persephone is beautifully reflected in the Unseelie King and Seelie Queen :)
Hades and Persephone by Sandara on DeviantArt