The Minotaur and the Labyrinth

The Minotaur was a scary creature from Greek myths. It had the body of a man but the head of a bull. It lived in a giant maze called the Labyrinth on the island of Crete. A brave hero named Theseus finally defeated it.

The Monster in the Maze

King Minos of Crete kept the Minotaur trapped in the Labyrinth. The maze was so tricky that no one could find their way out. Every nine years, Athens had to send young people into the maze. The Minotaur would hunt them in the dark tunnels.

Theseus Saves the Day

A brave prince named Theseus volunteered to face the Minotaur. A princess named Ariadne gave him a ball of thread. He unwound the thread as he walked so he could find his way back out. Theseus found the Minotaur and defeated it, then followed the thread to escape.

Fun Facts

• The word 'labyrinth' still means a complicated maze today.
• The Labyrinth was built by a genius inventor named Daedalus.
• The palace of Knossos on Crete had so many rooms that it may have inspired the Labyrinth legend.

Did You Know?

Daedalus, who built the Labyrinth, later escaped from Crete by building wings out of feathers and wax. His son Icarus flew too close to the sun and fell into the sea!