MINOTAUR (the bull-headed prisoner of the Labyrinth)
Monster · creature of Greek mythology with the head and tail of a bull and the body of a man
- Parents
- Cretan Bull, Pasiphaë
- Haunts and cult places
- Labyrinth
- In the sources
- 13 ancient passages
Asterius was the name given to the creature known as the Minotaur. Apollodorus 3.1.4 The beast served as food for the victims sent by the Athenians. Apollodorus 3.15.8
In the myths
Athenians sent seven young men and seven women annually to be eaten by the creature, and the Minotaur's death would end this penalty. Apollodorus 3.15.8 +2 Theseus killed the Minotaur inside the Labyrinth after receiving assistance from Ariadne. Diodorus 4.61 +1 The creature destroyed youths who wandered in the Labyrinth and could not find an exit. Plutarch, Theseus 15.2 Theseus claimed he would defeat the Minotaur. Plutarch, Theseus 17.4 Minos imprisoned the Minotaur inside the Labyrinth following specific oracles. Apollodorus 3.1.4 The creature was commanded to devour seven youths and seven maidens every nine years. Diodorus 4.61
Fate
The creature was born from the union of Pasiphae and a bull. Diodorus 4.77 The monster's life was to continue until it was slain by Theseus. Diodorus 4.61
