The Underworld's Bloom
The tale connecting the Roman god Pluto and peppermint centers on a nymph named Mentha. Pluto, lord of the underworld, was captivated by Mentha's vibrant spirit, a stark contrast to the somber realm he ruled. This affection, however, sparked the wrath of his wife, Persephone, who, consumed by jealousy, transformed the nymph into a humble mint plant.
Unable to undo Persephone's magic, Pluto sought to preserve Mentha's essence in another way. He breathed upon the plant, imbuing it with a sweet, cool fragrance. This gift ensured that Mentha's memory, and Pluto's affection for her, would linger in the underworld, and eventually, the mortal realm, through the enduring scent of peppermint.