The "Rape of Proserpina" is a myth from Roman mythology that tells the story of Proserpina, the daughter of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. She is abducted by Pluto, the god of the underworld, who takes her to his realm to be his queen. This event causes great sorrow for Ceres, leading to the changing of the seasons as she mourns her lost daughter. The myth explains the cycle of life and death, as Proserpina spends part of the year in the underworld and part on Earth. Her time in the underworld corresponds to winter, while her return brings spring and renewal, symbolizing the connection between life, death, and rebirth.