THESEUS Flashcards
(8 cards)
What happens in Theseus’ encounter with Periphetes, and what does it show about him?
Periphetes was a bandit who killed travellers with a huge bronze club. Theseus defeats him and takes the club for himself, using it as his signature weapon. This shows Theseus as a civiliser, taking power from a thug and using it for justice.
What happens with Sinis, and how does Theseus deal with him?
Sinis killed people by tying them to bent pine trees and tearing them apart. Theseus defeats him by giving him the same punishment — a poetic form of justice. Shows Theseus’ sense of fair punishment and cleverness.
What is the Crommyonian Sow, and what does Theseus do?
A huge, dangerous wild boar (possibly a female bandit named Phaea in some versions). Theseus kills it, removing a threat to travellers. Shows his bravery and ability to tackle monstrous beasts as well as criminals.
What is the story of Sciron, and how does Theseus respond?
Sciron forced travellers to wash his feet, then kicked them into the sea to be eaten by a sea turtle. Theseus throws Sciron into the sea instead, making him suffer the same fate. Emphasises justice and the idea that villains get what they deserve.
Who was Cercyon and what challenge did Theseus face?
Cercyon forced passers-by to wrestle him — then killed them. Theseus beats him by using skill and intelligence, not just strength. Shows Theseus as a clever hero, not just a brute.
What was Procrustes’ method, and how does Theseus defeat him?
Procrustes made travellers lie on a bed and either stretched them or cut off limbs to make them fit. Theseus kills him by making him fit his own bed — ironic justice. Shows Theseus as a hero who punishes cruelty with poetic fairness.
how does Theseus defeat the minator?
When he arrives he meets Minos daughter Ariadne. Ariadne meets Theseus and falls in love with him, and agrees to help Theseus to defeat the minotaur. Lives in a labyrinth. (Theseus needs help ) she gives him the weapons at the entrance, and gives him a ball of string so he can go through the maze and follow the string.
Why does Theseus take the dangerous land route to Athens instead of the safer sea route, and what proves he is ready for it?
Theseus is living in Troezen with his mother Aethra, raised in secret by her.
* When he reaches manhood, she tells him to lift a heavy rock — a task only his true father’s son could do.
* Under the rock, he finds a sword and sandals left there by his father Aegeus, king of Athens.
* Lifting the rock shows he is now strong enough and mature to claim his royal birthright.
Instead of taking the safer sea route to Athens:
* He chooses the dangerous land route, filled with bandits and monsters.
* He does this to prove his heroism, clear the road of evil, and become worthy of being king.
* Each opponent he defeats (Periphetes, Sinis, Sciron, etc.) shows he’s ready to be a civilised leader, not just a prince by birth.
