A truly divine collaboration with Rachel Smythe
New Zealand-based artist and writer Rachel Smythe created a bona fide phenomenon with Lore Olympus, her gorgeously illustrated retelling of classic Greek mythology. Since its release in 2017, the Eisner-winning web comic has garnered more than 1.7 billion views on the storytelling platform WEBTOON, with multiple New York Times bestselling graphic novel adaptations.
It was only a matter of time before the globally beloved story stepped from one world to the next, and in 2024, Lore Olympus was brought off the page with a series of collectibles created in collaboration with Wētā Workshop.
Project gallery
From the King of the Underworld to the Goddess of Spring, discover an unprecedented fusion of creativity from the world of Lore Olympus.
A truly divine collaboration with Rachel Smythe
New Zealand-based artist and writer Rachel Smythe created a bona fide phenomenon with Lore Olympus, her gorgeously illustrated retelling of classic Greek mythology. Since its release in 2017, the Eisner-winning web comic has garnered more than 1.7 billion views on the storytelling platform WEBTOON, with multiple New York Times bestselling graphic novel adaptations.
It was only a matter of time before the globally beloved story stepped from one world to the next, and in 2024, Lore Olympus was brought off the page with a series of collectibles created in collaboration with Wētā Workshop.
Project gallery
From the King of the Underworld to the Goddess of Spring, discover an unprecedented fusion of creativity from the world of Lore Olympus.
Hades and Persephone
Limited-edition statue and open-edition vinyl figures
Our first piece of Lore Olympus memorabilia, a limited-edition statue of Hades and Persephone’s first kiss, was a momentous occasion for fans of Wētā Workshop and the comic alike. It crystalised a moment in time in the twilight of the Underworld — a collision of passion between two gods as all other thoughts fade away.
“This moment, when I first read it on my cracked phone screen curled up on my couch, was such a rush, like all the air had been punched out of my chest because we’d been building towards this for such a long time,” says Laura Fraser, production team coordinator at Wētā Workshop. “We knew it was coming, but Rachel’s mastery of storytelling gave us this intense tidal wave of emotion as the characters finally let their guard down and embraced each other as they had been desperate to do so for so long. So, it was important that we try and capture that in this sculpture.”
Wētā Workshop’s artists sculpted every nuance of this pivotal moment, from the tender tension in Hades’ grip to the ethereal flow of Persephone’s hair, mirroring her inner turmoil and blossoming powers. The rich, vibrant colours inspired by Smythe’s iconic palette bring the WEBTOON whimsy and intensity to life. Each curve and contour, carefully crafted to capture the essence of this picturesque first kiss, a blend of longing, love and raw vulnerability.
“When you’re doing a long-form story, there are moments where you’re working towards a payoff for the audience, who have been participating in the story for a long time,” says Rachel. “This is definitely one of those moments. It was something that people had been waiting for; it was a happy moment for the fandom. When I look at this piece, it captures that same emotion of joy. This was a significant moment for not only the story but the people [reading it] as well, and I just see it as a celebration, with how well it’s turned out. It’s looked awesome the whole way through.”
It’s a reminder of Hades and Persephone’s epic love story in Lore Olympus — one that continued to unfurl in real life with the subsequent release of open-edition vinyl figures of these two beloved characters, the King of the Underworld and the Goddess of Spring, the morning after their first meeting.
Hecate
Open-edition vinyl figure
This vinyl figure perfectly captures the spirit of the goddess Hecate — smart, sassy and always ready to put anyone in their place with a biting retort. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, from her no-nonsense posture to the subtle smirk that hints at her love for controlled chaos. Whether she’s keeping the Underworld running smoothly as Hades’ right-hand or gleefully dishing out punishment, this figure embodies the essence of one of Lore Olympus’ most beloved characters.
Hermes
Open-edition vinyl figure
As the messenger of the gods, Hermes dances through the realms, a red blur of laughter and light-hearted mischief. He hears everything — grand plots and passing gossip alike — whether he wants to or not. All his cheeky charm, endless energy and irresistible sense of fun are realised in the vinyl figure crafted by our artisans, from his carefree grin to the hidden layers beneath that seemingly clueless exterior. Beneath that jovial exterior lies a sharp mind, and a perceptive insight. Though he may delight in joy and laughter, only the truly foolish would ever think him naive.
Hades and Persephone
Limited-edition statue and open-edition vinyl figures
Our first piece of Lore Olympus memorabilia, a limited-edition statue of Hades and Persephone’s first kiss, was a momentous occasion for fans of Wētā Workshop and the comic alike. It crystalised a moment in time in the twilight of the Underworld — a collision of passion between two gods as all other thoughts fade away.
“This moment, when I first read it on my cracked phone screen curled up on my couch, was such a rush, like all the air had been punched out of my chest because we’d been building towards this for such a long time,” says Laura Fraser, production team coordinator at Wētā Workshop. “We knew it was coming, but Rachel’s mastery of storytelling gave us this intense tidal wave of emotion as the characters finally let their guard down and embraced each other as they had been desperate to do so for so long. So, it was important that we try and capture that in this sculpture.”
Wētā Workshop’s artists sculpted every nuance of this pivotal moment, from the tender tension in Hades’ grip to the ethereal flow of Persephone’s hair, mirroring her inner turmoil and blossoming powers. The rich, vibrant colours inspired by Smythe’s iconic palette bring the WEBTOON whimsy and intensity to life. Each curve and contour, carefully crafted to capture the essence of this picturesque first kiss, a blend of longing, love and raw vulnerability.
“When you’re doing a long-form story, there are moments where you’re working towards a payoff for the audience, who have been participating in the story for a long time,” says Rachel. “This is definitely one of those moments. It was something that people had been waiting for; it was a happy moment for the fandom. When I look at this piece, it captures that same emotion of joy. This was a significant moment for not only the story but the people [reading it] as well, and I just see it as a celebration, with how well it’s turned out. It’s looked awesome the whole way through.”
It’s a reminder of Hades and Persephone’s epic love story in Lore Olympus — one that continued to unfurl in real life with the subsequent release of open-edition vinyl figures of these two beloved characters, the King of the Underworld and the Goddess of Spring, the morning after their first meeting.
Hecate
Open-edition vinyl figure
This vinyl figure perfectly captures the spirit of the goddess Hecate — smart, sassy and always ready to put anyone in their place with a biting retort. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, from her no-nonsense posture to the subtle smirk that hints at her love for controlled chaos. Whether she’s keeping the Underworld running smoothly as Hades’ right-hand or gleefully dishing out punishment, this figure embodies the essence of one of Lore Olympus’ most beloved characters.
Hermes
Open-edition vinyl figure
As the messenger of the gods, Hermes dances through the realms, a red blur of laughter and light-hearted mischief. He hears everything — grand plots and passing gossip alike — whether he wants to or not. All his cheeky charm, endless energy and irresistible sense of fun are realised in the vinyl figure crafted by our artisans, from his carefree grin to the hidden layers beneath that seemingly clueless exterior. Beneath that jovial exterior lies a sharp mind, and a perceptive insight. Though he may delight in joy and laughter, only the truly foolish would ever think him naive.
Related projects
Warhammer 40,000
The Masters Collection
Mini Epics
Related projects
Warhammer 40,000
The Masters Collection