Theseus and Minos

This time, there was no crying on the black-sailed ship. Theseus was giving them courage and all the children had a hope that they would return again. They arrived in Crete in the morning and Theseus asked to be taken to the king immediately. He wanted to talk to him.

Minos received them, sitting on a high stone throne.

There were other officials there and Ariadne, the daughter of Minos. Then Theseus said:

- King of Crete, you have so far thrown many young men of Athens into the Labyrinth. This time I, Theseus, son of Aegeus, have come too. I came to fight the Minotaur. If I defeat him, you will let us go home. If I am defeated, may we all perish.

Minos knew that the Minotaur was invincible and said:

- Theseus, I give you my word that if you kill the Minotaur and come out of the Labyrinth with your companions, I will let you return to Athens. Nor will I seek any more young men.

This is what Minos said and gave orders to lead them to the Labyrinth.

The Mite of Ariadne

Ariadne liked the handsome and brave lad, felt sorry for the young children of Athens and wanted to help them. So the moment they were coming down the stairs, she approached Theseus and said to him:

- Theseus, take this ball and when you enter the Labyrinth, tie the end of it to the door. As you go, unravel it. If you kill the Minotaur, wind it again to find the door to get out.

She wished him good luck and left.