Lecture Notes: Story of King Minos, Theseus, and the Minotaur

Introduction

• King Minos: Powerful and evil king who ruled over a land with a giant labyrinth.
• The Minotaur: A terrifying creature, half-man and half-bull, kept in the labyrinth.
• Conflict with Athens: Minos frequently attacked Athens, a small village, causing great suffering.

The Deal with Athens

• Offer: King Minos demanded that Athens send seven boys and seven girls annually to be sacrificed to the Minotaur.
• Acceptance: The king of Athens reluctantly agreed to this deal to avoid further attacks.

Prince Theseus's Plan

• Moral Conflict: Prince Theseus, the king's son, was distressed by the sacrifice of young Athenians.
• Decision: Theseus decided to kill the Minotaur and volunteered as one of the sacrificial victims.

Ariadne's Assistance

• Introduction to Ariadne: King Minos's daughter, who fell in love with Theseus.
• Support: Ariadne provided Theseus with a sword and a ball of string to navigate the labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur.

The Battle

• Entry to the Labyrinth: The Athenian children were locked inside.
• Strategy: Theseus used Ariadne's string to navigate through the maze.
• Defeat of the Minotaur: Theseus successfully killed the Minotaur using the sword.

Escape and Betrayal

• Escape Plan: Theseus and the children were guided back out of the labyrinth using the string.
• Ariadne's Role: She unlocked the door for their escape.
• Betrayal: Despite Ariadne's help, Theseus abandoned her on an island while she slept.

Conclusion

• Theseus's Actions: Successfully saved the children and returned to Athens.
• Ariadne's Fate: Left behind on an island, unaware of Theseus's betrayal.