Theseus

Theseus (Ancient Greek: Θησεύς), a legendary hero in Greek mythology, is most renowned for slaying the Minotaur. His name is pronounced "THEE-syoos" in British English and "THEE-see-us" in American English.

According to the myths, Theseus's parentage was dual in nature - he was said to be either the son of King Aegeus of Athens or the god Poseidon. Raised by his mother Aethra, he later journeyed to Athens upon learning of his connection to Aegeus. During this journey, he faced numerous challenges and adventures. Upon reaching Athens, he encountered his father's new wife Medea (Jason's former spouse), who conspired against him.

Theseus's most celebrated achievement was defeating the Minotaur, a fearsome half-man, half-bull creature. Following this feat, he unified the region of Attica under Athenian rule through a process called synoikismos ("dwelling together"). As king, he established his palace on the Acropolis and, according to Pausanias, founded a shrine to Aphrodite on its southern slope.

The details of Theseus's story, including his defeat of the Minotaur, his escape from the Labyrinth, and his complicated relationship with Ariadne (King Minos's daughter), are recounted in various sources, notably Plutarch's Life of Theseus. While Plutarch drew from earlier historians like Pherecydes, Demon, Philochorus, and Cleidemus, he specifically structured his account to parallel Rome's founding figure, Romulus. Though Theseus's historical existence remains unproven, some scholars suggest he may have lived during either the Late Bronze Age or as a ruler in the 8th or 9th century BC.