Theseus By Ellie Young
The Beginning Theseus was the son of King Aegeus, the King of Athens. However, Theseus was raised by his mother, in a city in southern Greece. Two gifts : sword, pair of shoes. When Theseus could lift the stone, he should journey to Athens.
The time comes… Refuses to journey by sea, because it is too safe and easy. Kills all the bandits Sciron, Sinis, and Procrustes on the road. His motto was: What each had done to others, Theseus did to him.
Theseus’ Welcome Greece rang with praises for Theseus Acknowledged as a hero Aegeus invited Theseus to a banquet, completely unaware he was his son. His intention was to poison Theseus for fear of losing his throne due to Theseus’ popularity.
The “Lovely” Medea The idea for poisoning Theseus, was Medea’s, who had come to Athens after fleeing Corinth. She didn’t want to lose her power over Aegeus to Theseus.
The Banquet Just as Medea hands Aegeus the poisoned cup, Theseus draws his sword, making himself known. Aegeus recognizes him. Medea escapes to Asia. Aegeus then announces to everyone Theseus is his son.
King Minos’ role (prior) King Minos of Crete was upset after King Aegeus sent his only son on a perilous journey. Took over Athens and declared he would destroy it unless every nine years the Athenian’s sent him 7 young men and women. (Think Hunger Games) The 14 youths were given to the Minotaur.
The Labyrinth As previously learned, Daedalus built the labyrinth to confine the Minotaur. This was where the young Athenians were given to the Minotaur.
Theseus Volunteers as Tribute Theseus volunteers to be sacrificed. Planned to kill the Minotaur. If he succeeded promised to change sail to white so his father could see his son had lived.
Love at First Sight (Again) Minos’ daughter Ariadne fell in love with Theseus at first sight. Asks Daedalus for way out of Labyrinth Promises to tell Theseus if he marries her. The hint: A ball of thread (Daedalus likes string) which he was to fasten at on end at the end and unravel all the way through.
Slaying the Minotaur Finds him asleep Falls on him Pins him to the ground with his fists Beat him to death
Theseus Saves The Day Theseus kills the Minotaur, retraces his steps by following the thread, and heads to Athens with Ariadne.
The Pit-Stop Docked at the Island of Naxos. Theseus deserts Ariadne.
Oops… Theseus forgets to put up the white sail. King Aegeus was so upse he threw himself down from a rocky height into the sea and died. Now called the Aegean sea. Theseus becomes King.
A King’s Life Theseus was a good king. He declares he wants to be equal with his people. Organizes a commonwealth and gives up his power Citizens can gather and vote on issues. Everyone is very happy. “The only true home of liberty”.
The Vanquished When the Thebians denied burial to the enemies who had died, the vanquished turned to Athens and Theseus. Theseus led his army against Thebes. Doesn’t loot or harm Thebes, just forces them to bury the corpses.
Other acts of Kindness Takes in Oedipus Protected Oedipus’ daughters Convinced Hercules not to kill himself
Connections Sailed on the Argo (Jason) Fought in the Calydonian Boar hunt (Atalanta)
Pirithous The Doomed As adventurous as Theseus but much less skilled. Described as perpetually in trouble Decided to steal some of Theseus’ cattle to test Theseus. Theseus ultimately forgives him.
More Pirithous In the end, Theseus cannot save the rash Pirithous. Pirithous decided he wanted to marry Persephone. Theseus agrees to help. Theseus kidnaps Helen wants to marry her, while he’s in the underworld her brothers save her.
The Underworld Hades invites them to sit They sit on the chair of forgetfulness Never leaves Hercules saves Theseus, but Pirithous never leaves.
Marriage Theseus marries Ariadne’s sister, Phaedra. Had a child with an amazon, the son is then named Hippolytus. Sends him to the town where he grew up. Grows up hating the wealthy, and those in love.
Plot Twist Phaedra falls in love with Hippolytus. Hippolytus doesn’t notice her. Phaedra’s maid goes to him and begs him to love her, he refuses to betray his father. Phaedra kills herself.
Phaedra’s Last Words Blames Hippolytus for her death Theseus believes her Theseus confronts Hippolytus, but he denies all accusations. But Theseus banishes him anyway. A monster comes and scares his horses, he crashes and he is severely hurt.
Artemis Artemis tells Theseus what happened to his son. Hippolytus is carried in and tells his father it wasn’t his fault, before he dies.
In the End Finally, Achilles kills Theseus. We are not told why his friend betrayed him. The Athenians worship him like no other mortal.