Theseus.
A thread through the labyrinth
Theseus: Greek Hero, the Minotaur and Ariadne’s Threadis the Athenian hero who enters the Cretan labyrinth and kills the Minotaur. ’s help makes his escape possible, while his return brings the death of the father waiting for him.
More than a myth.
Theseus and his two fathers
Raised by Aethra at Troezen, lifts a rock and retrieves the sword and sandals left by . He journeys to , confronting dangerous figures along the road. Ancient accounts also give a claim to his paternity. The mortal and divine relationships explain different aspects of his standing rather than producing one uncomplicated birth certificate.
Theseus and the Minotaur
joins the young people sent as tribute to . falls in love with him and obtains instructions from : a thread attached at the entrance will mark the return route. After killing the Minotaur, Theseus follows it out and leaves with the survivors. The maze is defeated by shared knowledge as well as by the hero’s courage.
Ariadne and the black sails
The accounts differ over ’s separation from . In the ’s Epitome, takes her, and the grieving Theseus forgets to replace his black sails with white ones. interprets the approaching ship as news of his son’s death and kills himself. The hero’s rescue of others thus ends with an irreversible loss at home.
Questions about Theseus
Who helped Theseus escape the labyrinth?
supplied the thread, using the escape method disclosed by . Her assistance is essential to his return.
Was Theseus the son of Poseidon or Aegeus?
Ancient accounts preserve both claims. is his Athenian royal father, while supplies divine paternity in an overlapping tradition.
It’s a family affair.
The stories of Theseus.
Ancient voices.
Enduring stories.
Myths have many tellings. These are the ancient works behind this profile, linked to freely available English translations.
Library
Book 3.15.7, 3.16.1 · Aethra and Theseus
Library · Epitome
Epitome 1.1–11 · Crete and the return