by A. South

Created on: February 19, 2008

The Athenians placed value on thoughts and ideas more so than brute strength and superhuman abilities. They were more impressed by a man who showed compassion than by one who could hoist the entire world upon his shoulders. For this reason, when the rest of Greece exalted Hercules as the greatest hero, Athens most admired Theseus. Undoubtedly, Theseus could lay claim to innumerable acts of bravery, but he was equally known for his superior intellect and unwavering kindness. Theseus Athenian qualities are presented well in the eulogy given at his funeral by Pirithous, "Theseus was my dearest friend, and the dearest friend of anyone in distress. He had a true heart, unmatched compassion, and paramount forgiveness. The loss of such a great man is a tragedy. Never, in all the ages has their been a friend so true. His life and actions speak for themselves, much better than mere words can explain."

For the first part of his life, Theseus lived with his mother in southern Greece. One morning his mother showed him a huge stone, instructing Theseus to lift away the stone. Upon doing this he discovered a sword and some shoes. That was when Theseus first knew that he was heir to the throne in Athens. Theseus immediately traveled to Athens to greet his father, Aegeus, and claim his birthright.

Discovering that he was going to be the next King of Athens had to be stunning, not to mention the fact that his entire life was going to undergo a change of venue. It was expected that Theseus would sail to Athens, but he refused to even consider such a preposterous idea. Even at that young age Theseus had visions of becoming a hero, and taking the safe route from southern Greece to Athens was not a good way to start. Journeying over land was the way to find adventure, danger, and excitement. His plan obviously worked, for by the time Theseus arrived in Athens the citizens already knew him as a hero.

Theseus then further endeared himself to the people of Athens by offering to make the ultimate sacrifice and consequently saving fourteen young Athenians from certain death. He volunteered to be one of those sacrificed to the Minotaur, and then proceeded to kill the Minotaur himself. These actions clearly displayed goodness, bravery, and intellect, qualities held in high esteem by the Athenians. Theseus' original sacrifice was tremendous; he had just arrived in town, was heir to the throne, and offered to die to save a complete stranger. He demonstrated bravery in destroying the Minotaur,

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