by Tim Harry

Created on: March 04, 2008   Last Updated: May 01, 2010

Theseus is a name that most people be unaware of, and yet he was one of the great heroes of Greek mythology. He is of course though overshadowed by the fame of that other Greek hero, Heracles. Theseus has much in common with King Arthur of Britain. Arthur and Theseus as characters are both claimed to be a mixture of mythology, legend and reality. Theseus being said to have once been the king of ancient Athens, with his life a succession of adventures, and a story studied by many enthusiasts of Greek mythology.

The story of Theseus starts in Athens. Aegeus, the King of Athens, wished for a son to follow him as ruler of the city. An unclear prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi seemed to indicate that he should find a woman from Athens, but Aegeus wanted some clarification. Aegeus visited the wise King Pittheus of Troezen, a small city state to the south-west of Athens, to gain his interpretation. Pittheus understood the meaning of the prophecy, but tricked Aegeus to take Aethra, Pittheus' daughter, as his companion.

After having slept with Aegeus, Aethra waded through to the sea to the island of Sphairia, where she slept with the god Poseidon. Theseus, when born, was said to be a mix of the semen of the mortal and immortal.

Aegeus decided to return to Athens, leaving the now pregnant Aethra behind. He left behind his sandals and sword, burying them below a large rock. If Aethra bore Aegeus a son, then he was to be sent to Athens when he was strong enough to move the rock and claim his inheritance. Aegeus was afraid that unless he had an heir, one of his fifty nephews, the sons of Pallas, would take ultimate power in Athens.

Aethra, of course, gave birth to Theseus. Theseus was raised in Troezen, and was taught by King Pittheus. Theseus grew up to be a brave, courageous and intelligent man, though he believed his one father to be Poseidon. Once he came of age, his mother showed him the rock and told him of his true parentage, and his right to claim his birthright. Theseus easily lifted the covering rock, and took the sandals and sword.

Unbeknown to Theseus, the situation in Athens had changed; King Aegeus had found a new consort. Medea, the former wife of Jason, had left Corinth, after killing Jason's new wife, and on arrival in Athens had wed Aegeus. Together they had one son, Medus.

The journey from Troezen to Athens could be made one of two ways; the safe sea route, or a dangerous walk around the Saronic Gulf. King Pittheus begged Theseus to take the

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