Theseus And Athens

Assembling material that has previously been scattered in scholarly works, Walker presents the evidence for the development of the myth and cult of Theseus in the archaic age. He then looks to major works of classical literature in which Theseus figures, probing the contradictions between the archaic, primitive side of his character and his refurbished image as the patron of democracy.

Wishing for a son, Aegeus, King of Athens, travels to Delphi to consult the Oracle. Some time later, a son - Theseus - is born. A great hero of Ancient Greece, Theseus begins his heroic deeds at the age of sixteen, clearing the coast road of Athens of dangerous brigands. Throughout his life, he is determined to defeat anyone who crosses his path, including the Minotaur on Crete. Protecting the weak and defenceless against evil is his calling, and he lives a life full of bravery and daring. But will his hubris be his downfall? Inspired by the character from ancient Greek mythology, Mary Irvine's 'Theseus - Hero of Athens' is a riveting historical adventure.

This book traces the development of the Theseus myth and its importance for Athens. Mills examines all extant tragedies in which Theseus appear in order to assess the significance of his role as mythological representative of Athenian greatness. She argues that the Theseus of most Athenian tragedy is carefully drawn to exemplify the idealized image of the Athenian "national character" that was prevalent in the age of the empire.

The true story of Theseus and the Minotaur.

Plutarch traces the fortunes of Athens through nine lives - from Theseus, its founder, to Lysander, its Spartan conqueror - in this seminal work What makes a leader? For Plutarch the answer lay not in great victories, but in moral strengths. In these nine biographies, taken from his Parallel Lives, Plutarch illustrates the rise and fall of Athens through nine lives, from the legendary days of Theseus, the city's founder, through Solon, Themistocles, Aristides, Cimon, Pericles, Nicias and Alcibiades, to the razing of its walls by Lysander. Plutarch ultimately held the weaknesses of its leaders responsible for the city's fall. His work is invaluable for its imaginative reconstruction of the past, and profound insights into human life and achievement. This edition of Ian Scott-Kilvert's seminal translation, fully revised with a new introduction and notes by John Marincola, now also contains Plutarch's attack on the first historian, 'On the Malice of Herodotus'.

In graphic novel format, retells the adventures of Theseus and how he solved the mystery of the labyrinth and battled the monster kept prisoner at the center.