Minotaur
The Minotaur is a monster from Greek mythology, usually described as having the body of a man and the head of a bull.
The Minotaur is a monster from Greek mythology, usually described as having the body of a man and the head of a bull. It is one of the best-known creatures in classical myth, tied to the Labyrinth on Crete and the hero Theseus.
What it is
The Minotaur is a mythological creature with a human body and a bull’s head. In the common version of the myth, it was born from Pasiphae, wife of King Minos, and a bull sent by Poseidon. Some sources also call it Asterion.
Key details
The Minotaur was confined in the Labyrinth, a complex maze built by Daedalus on Crete. In some tellings, Athens was required to send human sacrifices to the Labyrinth. The creature was eventually slain by the Athenian hero Theseus, who was helped by Ariadne, daughter of Minos.
Why it matters
The Minotaur became a lasting symbol in literature and art, often representing monstrosity, entrapment, or the clash between human and animal nature. In Canada, it appears in classrooms and popular culture as a major figure from classical mythology.
In short
- The Minotaur is part man and part bull, from Greek mythology.
- It lived in the Labyrinth on Crete and was killed by Theseus.
- Its parents were Pasiphae and a bull sent by Poseidon.
- It is a common subject in Canadian education and culture.
The Minotaur appears in Canadian literature, education, and popular culture as a major figure from classical mythology studied in English and history classrooms.
Quick questions
What is the Minotaur?
Who killed the Minotaur?
Where did the Minotaur live?
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/MinotaurSupports: Core definition, origin in Greek mythology, parentage, and confinement in the Labyrinth.
- Mythopedia — https://mythopedia.com/topics/minotaur/Supports: Summary of the myth, the Labyrinth, sacrifices, and Theseus’s killing of the Minotaur.
- Theoi Greek Mythology — https://www.theoi.com/Ther/Minotauros.htmlSupports: Alternative details including the name Asterion and the Minotaur’s association with Crete and the Labyrinth.
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/minotaur-in-greek-roman-mythologySupports: The mythic setting in Crete and the account of tribute from Athens and Theseus.