Theseus, a celebrated hero is most well-known for his slaying of the Minotaur. Born to Medea and Poseidon, Theseus inherited the status of a demigod. He was brought up by his grandfather far from his father and was unaware of his title as the Prince of Athens. Upon learning of his identity, he travelled to Athens.
Theseus was warned of the danger of his route to Athens. This laborious journey passed six entrances to the underworld, each guarded by a dangerous being. Theseus’ Six Labours brought him fame and glory, forming the foundation of his later successes.
Theseus’ first escape of death was Periphetes, ‘the club bearer’. Theseus killed him and took his great bronze club illustrating his power and strength.
Another significant victory was Theseus’ deception of Sinis ‘the Pine Bender’. Here Theseus managed to escape by inflicting Sinis’ own gruesome method of death, tearing him apart using two trees. Each of his six perils served as a reminder of his strength and ability to overcome death unlike many before him, Theseus went on to battle the Minotaur, become king of Athens and defend his city from the Amazons.
After this Theseus at last encountered the underworld, unable to avoid it further. His closest friend, Pirithous, was king of the Lapiths. Together, glory going to their heads, conspired to seize wives with divine blood. Theseus desired Helen, although too young waited until she came of age, holding her hostage in the care of his mother.
However, Pirithous desired Persephone, the goddess of spring and wife of Hades, stolen by him to remain in the underworld. Having made up their minds, Pirithous and Theseus entered the underworld, safely avoiding its dangers in order to present themselves in front of Hades. Although all had passed as expected up till this point, Hades’ fury soon became evident. Hades bound them to their stone seats and was infuriated by their audacity. The God sent for the furies and tortured both Pirithous and Theseus. For many years, they remained until Heracles, Theseus’ cousin, broke his bindings and liberated him. However, Pirithous remained imprisoned forever. Ultimately, his time in the underworld altered Theseus greatly, having lost his throne and Helen. His encounters and near misses of death show both his strength as a hero and the fortune with which he was blessed upon Heracles arrival. During his time in the underworld, he became unpopular within Athens. Theseus was forced to leave and at last suffered an unfortunate death being pushed off a cliff into the sea.
Anjali
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