She detects parallels between Andersen 's tale and the Greek myth of Demeter and her daughter , Persephone , and , notwithstanding the pagan associations and allusions in the tale , notes that `` Thumbelina '' repeatedly refers to Christ ` s suffering and resurrection , and the Christian concept of salvation .
She sees parallels between Andersen 's tale and the Greek myth of Demeter and her daughter , Persephone . Despite the pagan references in the tale , she notes that `` Thumbelina '' refers to Christ ` s suffering and resurrection , and the Christian concept of salvation .