The Minotaur is a fearsome half-man, half-bull creature who lives in the Labyrinth and eats the flesh of the people who become trapped in the maze.
King Minos of Crete requested a white bull from Poseidon to show his support of his quest to rule Crete over his brothers. Rather than sacrifice the bull to Poseidon, as he was supposed to, he chose to keep it instead. To punish him for his disobedience, Poseidon made Minos’ wife, Queen Pasiphae, fall madly in love with the bull and the Minotaur was the result of this affair.
In some versions of the myth, Queen Pasiphae, in a conversation with Daedalus, expressed that she didn’t believe in the gods and goddesses—especially Aphrodite, which angered Aphrodite. Meanwhile, King Minos sought out a white bull for his own amusement, as he had a particular fascination with white bulls. Aphrodite sent a white bull that was the most splendid in all of the land, and made Queen Pasiphae fell in love with it.
The Minotaur was a fearsome half-man, half-bull creature that loved to eat human flesh. His head was the head of a bull, the body that of a man's, with hooves and giant black horns that stuck out from the top of his head. As he grew older, he became so terrible that Minos had Daedalus build him a Labyrinth. The Minotaur lived in the middle of the Labyrinth and ate the flesh of people who became trapped in the maze.
King Minos had a quarrel with King Aegeus because his son had been killed in Athens. As payment, Aegeus had to send seven young men and seven young women to the Labyrinth for the Minotaur. King Aegeus’ son Theseus finally became tired of this annual tribute, volunteered himself, and vowed to kill the Minotaur. King Minos’ daughter Ariadne fell in love with Theseus at first sight and gave him a magic ball of string to help him find his way back out of the maze if he survived. He took the string and tracked down the Minotaur, killing him with his expert wrestling skills and creating a spear out of one of the Minotaur’s horns. He made his way back out of the maze and escaped with Ariadne.
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Parents
Queen Pasiphae and the Cretan Bull
Notable Myths
- King Minos’ Disobedience
- Daedalus’ Labyrinth
- Theseus
Attributes and Symbols
Half-man, half bull with a bull head and horns and the body of a man
How Tos about Minotaur: Greek Mythology
How to Create an Engaging Minotaur Mythology Lesson for Your Classroom
Introduce the Minotaur with a captivating story or image. Begin your lesson by sharing a vivid picture or dramatic retelling of the Minotaur myth to spark student curiosity and set the scene.
Guide students in comparing the Minotaur to other mythical creatures.
Encourage students to identify similarities and differences between the Minotaur and other creatures from world mythology. This comparative activity deepens understanding and builds cultural awareness.
Facilitate a creative writing activity based on the Minotaur myth.
Invite students to write their own short story or diary entry from the Minotaur's perspective. Creative writing helps students connect personally with the material and enhances literacy skills.
Incorporate art by having students draw their version of the Minotaur’s labyrinth.
Provide paper and drawing materials for students to design and illustrate a labyrinth maze. This hands-on task supports visual learners and brings the story to life.
End with a class discussion on the lessons or morals found in the Minotaur myth.
Lead students in reflecting on what the myth teaches about bravery, choices, or consequences. Discussion fosters critical thinking and helps students relate ancient stories to their own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Minotaur: Greek Mythology
What is a Minotaur in Greek mythology?
A Minotaur is a mythical creature from Greek mythology with the head of a bull and the body of a man. It lived in the Labyrinth on the island of Crete and is famous for its role in the legend of Theseus.
Why was the Minotaur kept in the Labyrinth?
The Minotaur was kept in the Labyrinth because it was dangerous and needed to be hidden away. King Minos of Crete ordered the maze to be built to imprison the creature and prevent it from harming people.
Who defeated the Minotaur and how?
Theseus, a hero from Athens, defeated the Minotaur by entering the Labyrinth and using a ball of thread to find his way out after killing the creature with a sword.
What does the Minotaur symbolize in literature and art?
The Minotaur often symbolizes inner struggles, challenges, and the battle between civilization and wildness in literature and art. It represents facing fears and overcoming obstacles.
How is the Minotaur different from other mythological creatures?
The Minotaur is unique because it has a combination of human and animal features and is linked closely to the story of the Labyrinth, unlike other creatures which may not have such a specific legend or symbolic meaning.
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