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Greek mythology: Theseus as an Athenian hero

Theseus organised Athens and Attica into a city state. Theseus also brought in democracy, with a promise to end the rule of the monarchy. In bringing democracy, Theseus ensured that Athens became the central location of government, getting rid of all of the local courts and administration centres. The aristocracy was put in charge of religion and the law.

Theseus also introduced a class system; the nobles, the farmers and the craftsmen. Foreigners were also welcomed and given the same rights as Athenians. The farmers became wealthier; the nobles received greater prestige, whilst the craftsmen became more numerous.

Away from the daily running of Athens, Theseus also introduced the Isthmian Games in honour of Poseidon, as a way of providing entertainment to the populous.

Whilst Theseus was good at organising the city, his heart was still that of a hero, and was always on the look out for adventure. Theseus' best friend was the Lapith prince Pirithous; they had once met in battle before becoming brothers-in-arms as they hunted the Calydonian Boar. Pirithous was to marry Hippodamia, or Deidama, and Theseus attended the wedding ceremony. At the subsequent feast, the guest centaurs got drunk and attempted to molest and abduct the women present. A battle ensued in which Theseus sided with Pirithous and the Lapiths against the centaurs.

Later on, when Theseus had advanced to fifty years of age, Theseus and Pirithous set out to Sparta in search of daughters of Zeus to marry. Helen, though only a young girl, was abducted by the pair, and sent to Athens. Theseus won a bet to decide that he was the one to marry Helen when she came of age, that though left them searching for a bride for Pirithous.

Pirithous set his heart on marrying Persephone; unfortunately she inhabited the underworld with her husband Hades. On arrival Hades offered them hospitality but recognising their deceit, Hades ensured that the stone they sat on trapped them. Theseus was luckily rescued by Heracles during his twelfth task, although Pirithous was left in the underworld for all eternity.

Theseus has got a reputation for the abduction of women. A war between Athens and the Amazon nation started when Theseus abducted the Amazon queen, Antiope. The Amazon's fought hard, battling all their way to Athens, before besieging the city for four months. The final battle in which Theseus is said to have been victorious, is supposed to have occurred within the city walls. After the final battle a peace treaty


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Greek mythology: Theseus as an Athenian hero

  • 1 of 3

    by Tim Harry

    The Greek hero Theseus has much in common with King Arthur of Britain. Both characters are claimed to be both a mixture of

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  • 2 of 3

    by A. South

    The Athenians placed value on thoughts and ideas more so than brute strength and superhuman abilities. They were more impressed

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  • 3 of 3

    by Reverend Ashira Goddard

    A secret elopement of King Aegeus to Princess Aethra began a myth of a hero and his quest. Theseus is secretly given birth

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