The labyrinth of Crete

THE Greek island of Crete was ruled by a cruel tyrant, Minos, who was feared by all. He lived in a magnificent palace, built by Daedalus, a master architect. Inside the palace lay a deadly underground maze called the labyrinth. Daedalus had designed it in such a way that anyone who entered it could not find his way out.

The labyrinth housed a terrible monster, Minotaur. Half man and half bull, he feasted on human flesh. Minos demanded that the nearby kingdoms send shiploads of young men and women to be offered as food to the Minotaur.

The other kings submitted out of fear. Accordingly, Athens had twice sent seven men and seven maidens every nine years. When it was time for the third sacrifice, Theseus, the prince of Athens, volunteered to slay the beast and put an end to their suffering.

Theseus sailed for Crete and presented himself before Minos. The king taunted him for his daring. But his own daughter, Princess Ariadne fell in love with Theseus at first sight.

Ariadne was determined to save her love from a gory end. She secretly gave him a sword and a ball of thread to help him navigate the maze.

It was pitch dark when Theseus entered the labyrinth. He tied one end of the thread to the door and unravelled the ball as he gingerly snaked his way deeper into the maze.

When Theseus reached the centre, he came face to face with the bull-headed Minotaur. The beast charged at him with a deafening bellow and a ferocious battle raged. Theseus finally felled him with a mighty stroke of his sword. The Athenian hero made his way out with the help of the twine.

Theseus and Ariadne then quickly escaped and sailed away in their ship before Minos could discover the truth and capture them.