1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

the giant maze, beneath his father's palace.

At the same time Minos was in dispute with Athens. Androgeus another son of Minos had been killed when a guest of the Athenian court. A war was waged between the two states, a war that the forces of Crete were victorious in. The Oracle at Delphi proclaimed that a tribute was to be paid to Minos by Athens. The tribute was to be made in the form of human sacrifices. Every nine years, or every year in some variations, seven young men and seven maidens were to be sent to Crete. These youths were locked in the Labyrinth for the Minotaur to devour.

Eighteen years passed, until the third set of sacrifices was to be made. Theseus, a prince of Athens, took the place of one of the youths. Sailing in a ship with a black sail, Theseus promised his distraught father that he would return showing a white sail.

On arrival in Crete, Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, falls in love with Theseus. Ariadne gets Daedalus to supply a thread so that Theseus will not get lost in the Minotaur's Labyrinth. Theseus, along with the other sacrificial youths, were deposited in the Labyrinth. Theseus made his way through the passages, whilst unwinding the thread. Theseus almost tripped over the sleeping Minotaur. Using a sword supplied by Ariadne, Theseus killed the Minotaur. Then using the thread to retrace his steps, he escorted all the other Athenians out of the Labyrinth.

With the monster dead, Theseus leaves Crete with Adriane in tow. Daedalus is locked away for his treachery, before taking to the air to escape with his son. Minos in trying to recapture Daedalus is murdered in the court of King Cocalus in Camicus, in Sicily

There is a belief amongst archaeologists that there is some elements of truth in the stories of the Minotaur. Some circumstantial evidence suggests that at the time when the island of Crete was the dominant force in the Mediterranean. In such a position the Minoan civilisation of Crete could demand tributes from the city states of Greece and other countries. Tributes could have taken human form. Ceremonies for sacrifice would be performed by a priest, possibly the son of King Minos, who would be disguised behind the mask of a bull.

The slaying of the Minotaur could also link into the same period, and be a representation of the strength of Athens. Once strong enough Athens would no longer need to pay tribute to Crete.

Much of this is supposition and not born out with any direct archaeological evidence. In fact there is no evidence for even the existence of the Labyrinth. The palace of Minos at Knossos has been extensively excavated, with no obvious signs of a maze. This has lead some archaeologist to describe the palace itself as a maze, and thus the source of the Labyrinth tales.

Learn more about this author, Tim Harry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Mythology: The legend of the Minotaurs?
We want to hear your view. Write now!