Slayer Of The Minotaur

        In the number of his brave deeds, Theseus king of Athens, emulated Heracles. His most notable feat was slaying the Cretan Minotaur, that monster, half man, half bull, to whom the Athenians were required to sacrifice seven youths and seven maidens each year. With the aid of a magic spool of thread, Theseus found his precarious way into the labyrinth where the Minotaur was kept, dispatched him, and then wound his way out again. His other enemies were less formidable; amongst those were the Amazons and Procrustes, who captured travelers to stretch or amputate their limbs. Theseus brought unity to Athens, and according to one tradition, he established democracy there.