Minotaur in Theseus: The Minotaur and the Labyrinth

Minotaur in Theseus: The Minotaur and the Labyrinth

The Minotaur, whose real name is Asterion, is probably one of the most well known of the many famous Greek beasties. This monster with the head of a bull and the body of a man is the biggest and baddest of Theseus's many foes. Back in the Heroic Age, a hero just wasn't a hero without a monster to slay. The Minotaur is part of a long list of slaughtered monsters. Medusa, the Hydra, the Nemean Lion and more all fell to one hero or another. In a way, Theseus owes everything to the Minotaur. Ultimately, what is a hero without the monster he or she slays?