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Theseus, a hero of Greek mythology, is best known for slaying a monster called the Minotaur. His life and adventures illustrate many themes of Greek myths, including the idea that even the mightiest hero cannot escape tragedy, if that is his fate.

Mysterious Origins. Like many other heroes of myth and legend, Theseus was born and raised in unusual and dramatic circumstances. His mother was Aethra, daughter of King Pittheus of Troezen. Although some accounts name PoseidonGreek god, ruler of the sea, and brother of Zeus (Roman god Neptune) as his father, most say that Theseus was the son of King Aegeus of Athens, who had stopped at Troezen after consulting the oraclepriest or priestess or other creature through whom a god is believed to speak; also the location (such as a shrine) where such words are...