Notes on the Minotaur and Related Myths

Introduction to the Minotaur

• Half-human, half-bull creature from Greek mythology.
• Name "Minotaur" = "Minos' bull"; also known as Asterius or Asterion.

Origins of the Minotaur

• King Minos sought a sign from Poseidon to prove his right to the throne.
  • Poseidon sent a beautiful white bull.
• Minos, captivated by the bull, kept it and sacrificed another instead.
• Poseidon, angry over Minos' defiance, caused his wife, Pasiphae, to fall in love with the bull.
  • Pasiphae enlisted Daedalus to help her; he made a wooden cow for her to mate with the bull.
• Their union resulted in the birth of the Minotaur.

The Labyrinth

• Minos commanded Daedalus to construct a labyrinth to contain the Minotaur.
• The labyrinth was built beneath the palace in Knossos.

Daedalus and Icarus

• Daedalus, after building the labyrinth, was imprisoned by Minos to keep the labyrinth's secrets.
• He created wax wings for himself and his son, Icarus, to escape.
• Icarus flew too close to the sun; wax melted, leading to his fall and drowning.
• Themes: Hubris, consequences of disobedience, and human ingenuity.

Androgeus and the Athenian Tribute

• Minos' son Androgeus was killed (by Athenian jealousy or Poseidon’s bull).
• Minos declared war on Athens, demanding tributes of young men and women to feed the Minotaur.

Theseus and the Minotaur

• During the third tribute, Theseus volunteered to kill the Minotaur.
• Princess Ariadne fell in love with Theseus and gave him a ball of thread to navigate the labyrinth.
• Theseus killed the Minotaur, using the thread to find his way back.
• Returned to Athens with survivors, ending the sacrificial tradition.

Conclusion

• The story of the Minotaur symbolizes bravery and the triumph of humanity over adversity.
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