An old story

Long before the arrival of Theseus, the Athenians had an old custom of celebrating Athena, the goddess who protected their city, with festivals. During these celebrations, there were games and athletes from all over Greece came to the festival. One year, the son of Minos, the powerful king of Crete with his many ships, took part in the games. This king's son, Androgeos, competed very well and came first in all events. But the other athletes, instead of congratulating him as they should, envied his glory and killed him.

The revenge of Minos

Minos was bitter about the loss of his son and decided to take revenge. He sailed more strong and fast ships and brought his army to Athens. The Athenians closed in on the city. Cities in those days had walls all around them. But Minos laid siege to Athens and took it. He killed many Athenians, took several as slaves and forced others to pay tribute.

Minotaur

But the worst thing was that Minos forced the Athenians to send him every year seven young men and seven young women of twenty years old, to be eaten by the Minotaur. This was to continue for nine years. The Minotaur was a horrible monster with a bull's head. Minos had him locked up under his palace in a dark basement called the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth had been built by the Athenian craftsman Daedalus and had so many corridors that anyone who entered it was impossible to get out again.

Mourning in the city

Not a month had passed since Theseus came to Athens, and one day, for the third year, the boys and girls, who had turned twenty, gathered in the marketplace. Before the people and the king they were to cast lots, that the fourteen young men and women might go out for the Minotaur. On the beach was ready the boat with the black sails. All the people were in tears.

The heroic attitude of Theseus

Before the draw began, Theseus came forward and said:

- Athenians, a great injustice is being done in our country. I ask your permission to go to Crete to kill the Minotaur.

- My child, you are heir to the throne. "If you are killed, Athens will be left without a king," Aegeus told him.

- King Aegeus, I would rather be killed than become king and send the children of Athens to the Minotaur.

Then he said to those who drew lots:

- The first lot is mine. Six more to be drawn.

Aegeus admired his son's bravery and said excitedly:

- My children, go well. And if you come back alive, don't forget to put white sails on the ship.

So that's why the hero Theseus was going to Crete that year! The tears of the people stopped. In their souls, like a white dove, hope blossomed.