The Minotaur, tondo of an Attic bilingual kylix, ca. 515 BCE
Minotaur
Origin: Ancient Greek & Roman mythology
Combination: human + bull
Classification: Mammal
Other Names: [none]
Associations: labyrinth, strength, bestial nature
The Minotaur is a mythical creature possessing the body of a man and the head of a bull. According to the legend, the Minotaur resided in a labyrinth on the island of Crete.
The Minotaur was born as the result of a curse placed on King Minos of Crete. It was fed a diet of human sacrifices sent from Athens until it was eventually slain by the hero Theseus. The Minotaur symbolizes power, violence, and the consequences of arrogance and greed.
Significant
Literary
Mentions
Classical
• The myth of Theseus and the Minotaur
Modern
• Los reyes (The Kings) – Julio Cortázar
• The Egyptian – Mika Waltari
• The House of Asterion – Jorge Luis Borges
• House of Leaves – Mark Z. Danielewski
• Theseus – Aleksey Ryabinin
Artistic
Representations
Throughout
History
Modern
Takes from
Cinema, TV,
& Music
Videos
