0
Theseus was a king of Athens famous for many exploits, and appearing in works by many authors and on countless vases. There is some confusion about Theseus' parentage, some say he is the son of Aegeus and Aethra, and others the son of Poseidon and Aethra. Apollodoros and Hyginus say Aethra waded out to Sphairia after sleeping with Aegeus, and lay there with Poseidon.
The next day, Aegeus, who had been visiting Aethra at Troizen, left for his home city of Athens. As he left, he left sandals and a sword under a large rock; should Aethra bear a male child, she was to send him to Athens to claim his birthright as soon as he was old enough to lift the rock and retrieve the items.
Aethra gave birth to Theseus, who came of age and set off for Athens with the sword and sandals, encountering and defeating six murderous adversaries along the way. When Theseus reached Athens, Medea, the wife of Aegeus, persuaded Aegeus to kill the as of yet unrecognized Theseus by having him attempt to capture the savage Marathonian Bull. Theseus does the unexpected and succeeds, so Medea tells Aegeus to give him poisoned wine. Aegeus recognizes Theseus' sword as he is about to drink and knocks the goblet from his lips at the last second.
According to Plutarch and Philochoros, on the way to Marathon to kill the bull, Theseus encounters a fierce storm and seeks shelter in the hut of an old woman named Hecale. She promises to make a sacrifice to Zeus if Theseus comes back successful. He comes back, finds her dead, and builds a deme in her name. Some time after Theseus return to Athens, trouble stirs and blood flows between the houses of Aegeus in Athens and Minos, his brother in Crete.
War and drought ensues and an oracle demands that recompense be made to Minos. Minos demands that seven maidens and seven youths are to be sacrificed to the Minotaur every nine years. Theseus is among the chosen victims and sails off to Crete, promising to Aegeus that his ship's black flag would be replaced with a white flag if Theseus is victorious. In Crete, Minos molests one of the maidens and Theseus becomes angry and challenges him, boasting of his parentage by Poseidon. Minos, son of Zeus is amused and asks Theseus to prove his heritage by retrieving a ring from the depths of the ocean. Theseus being a son of Poseidon succeeds.
Ariadne, a young woman in Crete already betrothed to Dionysus, falls in love with Theseus and helps him defeat the Minotaur. Ariadne then leaves Crete with Theseus, who abandons her on Dia (at Athena's behest, according to Pherekydes).
In returning to Athens Theseus forgets to switch the black sail with the white one. Aegeus, consequently, watching from afar believes his son is dead and hurls himself into the sea, named the 'Aegean' after him. After Aegeus' death, Theseus must contend against Pallas for the throne. Theseus gets wind of a planned assassination against him and spoils the ambush, killing Pallas and gaining the throne.
Theseus and a good friend of his by the name of Pirithous wanted to marry daughters of Zeus, and begin their quest by abducting Helen. Theseus wins a bet and gets Helen, but must accompany Pirithous to Hades to recover Persephone for him. There is much disagreement here about what happens in Hades, but many traditions say only Theseus makes it back out.
Theseus does two noteworthy patriotic acts to Thebes, accepting Oedipus at Kolonus, and helping Adrastus bury the Seven, fallen in the struggle for the throne of Thebes. Late in his life Theseus loses popularity in Athens and is exiled. He wanders to Scyrus where he is hurled off a cliff by Lycodemes.
What else can I help you with?
Who was Theseus' step mother?
Theseus' stepmother was Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons. In some versions of the myth, she is portrayed as a powerful warrior woman who is captured by Theseus during his adventures. Their relationship varies in different stories, with some depicting her as a loving partner and others highlighting conflict. Ultimately, Hippolyta is a significant figure in Theseus' life, representing both love and challenge.
Who was Theseus's spouse?
Theseus's most notable spouse was Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons. They married after Theseus defeated her in battle, and their union is often depicted in various myths and literary works. Additionally, in some versions of the myth, Theseus is also associated with Phaedra, who is another significant figure in his life, particularly in the story of his tragic downfall.
Who defeated the Minotaur?
In Cretan mythology, Theseus slayed the minotaur. He did it with the help of a ball of string and Ariadne, who knew the minotaur in some ways too intimately. Not that way. The minotaur is a half bul half man . http://thenorthnode.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/theseus-and-the-minotaur/ Very nice looking blogsite, with a synopsis of the myth with a bit of discussion concerning wandering up that particular emotional labyrinthine alley surrounding it.
What does theseus think the sleeping lovers are?
Theseus thought the sleeping lovers were victims of some mischief or spell.
Did Theseus die?
In the case of Theseus of the Greek Legends, Theseus did die, but later life is rather enigmatic. After his son was killed by Poseidon's bull (or Dionsyus's bull in some stories) for supposedly raping Theseus's 2nd wife, his popularity declined. Some say that after his decline of popularity he left towards Lycomedes of the island of Skyros, who pushed Theseus off a cliff to his death. Overally, the theory that Theseus was pushed off a cliff is currently the only information regarding to Theseus's death.
According to some sources, who may have been the father of Theseus?
According to some sources, the father of Theseus may have been King Aegeus of Athens.
Who is Poseidon's favorite mortal?
Poseidon's favorite mortal is often considered to be Theseus, the legendary hero of Athens. According to mythology, Poseidon aided Theseus in various endeavors, including his journey to Crete to confront the Minotaur. Additionally, some versions of the myth suggest that Poseidon fathered Theseus, further solidifying their bond. However, other mortals like Acis and Polyphemus also have strong connections with the sea god, showcasing Poseidon's varied relationships with humans.
What are some myths about Hestia?
One common myth is that Hestia willingly gave up her seat on Mount Olympus to Dionysus, which is not supported by most ancient texts. Another myth is that she took a vow of eternal virginity, although this is disputed as some sources mention her having relationships and children.
What are some of the most famous Theseus quotes?
Some of the most famous quotes attributed to Theseus include "Fortune favors the bold" and "I would rather be the first in a village than second at Rome."
Who were theseus parents and siblings?
Theseus was the son of Aegeus, the king of Athens, and Aethra, a princess of Troezen. According to some myths, he also had a divine lineage, as Poseidon was said to be his father. Theseus had several siblings, but the most notable was his half-brother, Hippolytus, who was the son of Theseus and Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons. However, the myths often focus more on Theseus's adventures than on his family background.
What are some character traits describing Theseus?
powerfull, greatful, brave, courageful
What are some of the most popular myths?
•Theseus and the Minotaur. •Medusa. •Daedalus and Iccarus.
