Theseus - The Ravages of Oversight | The Great Greek Myths, Episode 16

Summary

In this captivating episode, the tale of Theseus unfolds as a young royal embarks on a journey to Athens, driven by the revelation of his divine and royal heritage. With dual parentage from a mortal king and the god Poseidon, Theseus's legendary feats and quests are fated from birth. The story takes us through his perilous adventures, from battling monsters on the road to Athens, to confronting the fearsome Minotaur in Crete's labyrinth, and ultimately, the tragic oversights that shadowed his early triumphs. This myth highlights the enduring themes of destiny, hubris, and redemption amid the backdrop of ancient Greek mythology.

Highlights

• Theseus's journey is sparked by the revelation of his parentage, linking him to both a king and a powerful god. 🚀
• Choosing danger over safety, Theseus faces mythic beasts by road, setting the stage for his heroic identity. 🛤️
• The tale embraces Theseus's triumph over Procrustes, a villain embodying extreme cruelty, showcasing the hero's moral justice. ⚔️
• Love sparks in Crete, with Ariadne aiding Theseus in the labyrinth, leading to a tale of romance threaded with danger. ❤️
• The bittersweet ending of Theseus's tale, where a simple forgotten sail leads to his father’s tragic demise, evokes the timeless warning against hubris. ⚓
• Theseus's legacy is one of introspection and growth, culminating in the establishment of democracy in Athens. 🏛️

Key Takeaways

• Theseus's extraordinary dual lineage as the son of the king of Athens and the god Poseidon sets the stage for his epic exploits. 🌟
• The young Theseus bravely chooses the dangerous road path to Athens, facing monsters and villains like Procrustes along the way. 💪
• Athens is under threat from Minos of Crete, leading Theseus to volunteer to slay the Minotaur and save the city from its grisly fate. 🗡️
• Theseus's cunning and the help of Ariadne's thread enable him to navigate and escape the deadly labyrinth. A classic mythological tale of wits and courage! 🧶
• Unfortunately, Theseus's oversight leads to tragedy upon his return, as his father's heartbreaking fate unfolds due to a communication lapse. 💔
• Despite early oversights, Theseus's rule eventually ushers in justice and peace, marking the dawn of democracy in Athens. ⚖️

Overview

Theseus's saga begins with a secret that changes his life: he is both the son of a king and the god Poseidon. Driven to discover his destiny, he leaves his quiet life behind, determined to claim his place in the world. Along the perilous road to Athens, Theseus encounters and defeats a series of formidable adversaries, highlighting his courage and strength. This journey is more than a quest for lineage; it's a rite of passage that tests his resolve and prepares him for future challenges.

In Athens, Theseus learns of its plight under the shadow of Crete and the dreaded Minotaur. Accepted by his father thanks to the tokens of recognition, he volunteers to end the brutal tribute demanded by Minos. The story takes a dramatic turn in the labyrinth with Ariadne's love and cunning aid, enabling Theseus to slay the beast and escape. Yet, his journey is marred by tragedy when the promised signal to his father is forgotten, leading to a somber homecoming overshadowed by loss.

The hero's legend is one of redemption as Theseus rises from his youthful oversights, embracing the principles of justice and leadership. His reign in Athens heralds the advent of democracy, placing power into the hands of the people and ensuring peace. Theseus's life story embodies the timeless struggles between destiny and desire, power and responsibility, leaving a legacy of wisdom carved into the annals of myth and history.

Chapters

• 00:30 - 05:00: Introduction: Journey of a Hero The introduction sets the stage for a hero's journey, hinting at an epic adventure filled with challenges and growth. The ambiance is created by a musical score that evokes a sense of anticipation and excitement, preparing the audience for the unfolding narrative.
• 05:01 - 10:30: The Prophecy and Birth of Theseus The chapter introduces Theseus, a young, handsome, and strong man of royal blood, who is traveling through ancient Greece. At the age of 20, he is on his way to Athens to meet his father, King Idrius, whom he has never met. Theseus is full of confidence and determined to claim his birthright.
• 10:31 - 15:00: Theseus Discovers His Identity In this chapter, Theseus learns about his true identity and the position he is destined to hold, which is the heir to the throne of Athens. This revelation is made by his mother, who discloses the secret of his birth. The chapter also provides background on the king of Athens, Aegis, who had no son to carry on his legacy, threatening the future of his dynasty.
• 15:01 - 19:30: The Challenges on the Road to Athens The chapter titled 'The Challenges on the Road to Athens' describes how the old king Aegeus, facing a dilemma, decides to seek divine intervention. Unable to find a solution himself, he embarks on a journey to Delphi to consult the oracle, hoping for guidance from the gods. Delphi, located at the base of Mount Parnassus, was renowned for being the largest sanctuary in the ancient world and a pivotal center for seeking divine prophecy. Aegeus’s journey marks a crucial step in his quest for resolving the challenges he faces on the road to Athens.
• 19:31 - 23:30: Arrival in Athens and the Threat of Crete The chapter discusses the role of the Pythia, a woman in ancient Greece known for communicating the will of the gods. Residing in the sacred temple of Apollo, she would deliver divine messages while in a trance, induced by smoke and incense, to her priests as guidance.
• 23:31 - 30:00: The Minotaur and the Labyrinth King Aegis longed for a son and sought guidance from the gods. The Pythia, a prophetic priestess, gave him a cryptic prophecy, telling him not to 'loosen the wineskins' until reaching Athens. Puzzled and distressed by the oracle's message, Aegis returned home, troubled by the unsolved mystery.
• 30:01 - 35:30: Escape and Abandonment on Naxos On his journey back, the protagonist stops in Treason, unaware that his desires are on the verge of fruition.
• 35:31 - 40:30: Return to Athens and the Cost of Victory The chapter titled 'Return to Athens and the Cost of Victory' discusses a banquet organized by a character to honor his guest, Egyus. The host plies Egyus with wine until he passes out, at which point the host introduces his daughter, Aethra, into Egyus's bed. This act of trickery leads to the conception of Theseus. The transcript mentions Ethereum telling Egyas about this event.
• 40:31 - 46:00: Reflection and Legacy The chapter 'Reflection and Legacy' explores the complex emotions surrounding impending parenthood amidst political instability. The protagonist, likely a ruler or significant figure, experiences a mix of joy and anxiety upon learning of a pregnancy. This joyous news is overshadowed by the looming threat to Athens, which is surrounded by enemies and various claimants to the throne, each willing to go to extreme lengths - including assassination - to seize power. The narrative highlights the precariousness of lineage and leadership against a backdrop of potential violence and ambition.

Theseus - The Ravages of Oversight | The Great Greek Myths, Episode 16 Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 [Music] [Music] [Music]
• 00:30 - 01:00 he was a young man barely 20 years old traveling the roads of ancient greece he was handsome strong and moreover of royal blood [Music] his name theseus [Music] he was on his way to athens to be recognized by a father he had never met king idrius and this young man full of self-assurance was intent on claiming
• 01:00 - 01:30 the position he was owed that of heir to the throne of athens for a recent revelation had changed his young life forever his mother had told him the secret of his birth [Music] it was long long ago the king of athens aegis had ruled for many years but he had no son to succeed him after his reign the dynasty was doomed
• 01:30 - 02:00 to disappear something the old king refused to accept aegis decided to call on the gods it was his last hope so he set off for delphi to consult the oracle [Music] in delphi at the foot of mount parnassus was the biggest sanctuary in the known world
• 02:00 - 02:30 it was here that a woman known as the pythia orally expressed the will of the gods [Music] the pithier lived as a recluse in the sacred enclosure of the temple of apollo perched on a tripod and entranced by smoke and incense she cited to her priests the words of the divine [Music]
• 02:30 - 03:00 aegis questioned the gods when would his long-awaited son be given to him [Music] the pythia's response was puzzling do not loosen the wineskins photo great prince until you have reached the people of athens aegis didn't understand the oracle crushed and confused he returned home tormented by the enigma
• 03:00 - 03:30 on his way back he stopped off in treason unaware that his wish was finally about to come true it was from treason that king peters ruled the monarch was known throughout greece for his wisdom but also for his clairvoyance peters immediately understood what the oracle of delphi meant but he didn't
• 03:30 - 04:00 tell egyus of his interpretation for he had an idea he organized a grand banquet to honor his guest he fed him wine until egyas passed out then introduced his own daughter aethra into his bed and that is how by piteous trickery theseus was conceived when ethereum told egyas she was
• 04:00 - 04:30 pregnant he was obviously overjoyed but he was also worried athens was threatened from all angles it had many enemies and claimants to the throne who would stop at nothing to gain power even killing an infant [Music] and hastening the death of an old man [Music]
• 04:30 - 05:00 his decision was taken his son would live in hiding here in treason until he was old enough and strong enough to be recognized as air and so in utmost secrecy theseus grew up far from the intrigues and conspiracies of athens however egyus wondered how would he recognize the son he had never met when he came to him in athens [Music]
• 05:00 - 05:30 aegis left aethra what the greeks called tokens objects that would allow aegis to recognize theseus as his legitimate son when the time came these tokens were his sword and sandals egees had them buried in the ground beneath a huge rock which only his son the future theseus would be strong enough to shift without help from anyone [Music]
• 05:30 - 06:00 sixteen years passed theseus had grown into a handsome young man strong educated brave impetuous and fascinated like all boys of his age by the feats of the great greek heroes he unearthed in the place indicated by his mother the sword and sandals of his father [Music]
• 06:00 - 06:30 he read to leave treason his mother embraced him one last time she hesitated a moment and then made a confession she revealed to theseus the truth about his origins [Music]
• 06:30 - 07:00 the reason pithias had used trickery to introduce her into egyas's bed was because she had recently been raped by one of the most infamous lovers of mount olympus the god poseidon poseidon one of the most powerful gods of olympus the elder brother of zeus when the greek gods divided up the world poseidon received the kingdom of the
• 07:00 - 07:30 seas and oceans poseidon carried a trident which he planted in the sea as in the ground he was the god of storms and of earthquakes he was known as the earth shaker he incarnated anger disorder danger and violence [Music]
• 07:30 - 08:00 a few days before being sneaked into egyas's bed the young ithra had been taken to poseidon by a goddess who had come to her in a dream [Music] a goddess no one could refuse the goddess athena athena and poseidon [Music]
• 08:00 - 08:30 the goddess of war and the god of storms always fighting and quarreling the two of them couldn't stand each other as a show of her wish for peace athena not without ulterior motives delivered the poor ether to the sexual appetites of poseidon [Music]
• 08:30 - 09:00 the fruit of the relations of ethro with poseidon then with egyus meant that theseus was the son of both the god and the king this double parentage gave theseus a near perfect identity [Music] his divine ascendancy explained his supernatural strength and would account for his later feats and quests his royal origin gave him political legitimacy he had work to accomplish a political
• 09:00 - 09:30 destiny to fulfill [Music] theseus would leave treason his first quest would be that of his identity [Music] to reach athens there were two routes the safest of them was by sea
• 09:30 - 10:00 but there was another much more dangerous way by road it crossed greece via the isthmus of corinth over steep hills along rocky paths but its greatest danger lay in the monsters and brigands that had spread terror there for years theseus decided to take the road
• 10:00 - 10:30 and he defied one after the other all the evil creatures that crossed his path his greatest victory was over the ruthless procrustes an infamous bandit who strapped passers-by to a bed a bed that was either too long or too short for them
• 10:30 - 11:00 he then set about making them fit the bed by stretching them if it was too long or cutting off their limbs if it was too short in victory theseus inflicted on him the same punishment he had given his victims in a way theseus applied the law of talion an eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth procrustes would perish on the very bed he had reserved for travellers he was cut down to size as a side note in statistics today procrustes analysis
• 11:00 - 11:30 involves uniformly scaling anything that doesn't fit into the mold athens at last word of theseus's feats had preceded him thanks to the sword and sandals of egyus he was recognized by his father here the king and heir edius and theseus are finally united
• 11:30 - 12:00 all is well in the best of worlds not always for athens was under attack by the maritime superpower of the time crete crete ruled by king minos minos defeated athens and demanded that every year seven boys and seven girls be drawn by lots and then sent to crete to
• 12:00 - 12:30 be devoured by a terrifying monster the minotaur the minotaur a monstrous beast the head of a bull on the body of a man the minotaur was the fruit of an unthinkable union between the consort of the king of crete pacifi and a white bull sent by the god of the sea poseidon
• 12:30 - 13:00 the poor persephi was not wholly at fault for this beastly offspring she had been subjected as was often the case to the vengeance of the gods following a mistake made by her husband king minos [Music] to prove to his brothers that poseidon was his protector minos asked the god to deliver up a white bull from the waves and promised to sacrifice it in honor of poseidon
• 13:00 - 13:30 poseidon delivered up the white bull but when minus saw the animal so beautiful and so pure he was unable to sacrifice it [Music] a furious poseidon put a curse on the wife of minos queen pacefie and sent her a love spell [Music] pasefa fell madly in love with the white
• 13:30 - 14:00 bull and did everything to mate with it it was from this monstrous union come about by the wrath of a god that the bull of minus was born the beast known as the minotaur minos wanted to hide the scandalous adultery committed by his wife to do so he imprisoned the minotaur in a labyrinth in which it became both prisoner and
• 14:00 - 14:30 and the minotaur grew up away from prying eyes but the beast needed feeding so having defeated athens minos demanded an annual tribute of human flesh theseus encouraged by his early successes swore to free athens from this scourge when minos's emissaries arrived as they did every year to claim their due theseus stepped forward and to general
• 14:30 - 15:00 surprise volunteered to go to crete however hard edgiest tried to make his son renounce theseus refused he would set off to fight the minotaur so be it but edgiest asked one thing of him that his ship should leave with a black sail a sign of mourning then if he were to return alive to raise a white sail
• 15:00 - 15:30 every day aegeas climbed to the top of the highest hill to look out for his son's return theseus in a state of excitation and already drunk on his anticipated glory agreed to his father's wish on landing in crete he was presented to king minos with the other athenians he paraded
• 15:30 - 16:00 before the king and his court suddenly he caught the eye of minos's daughter ariadne she was immediately enthralled by the handsome theseus it was love at first sight ariadne the beautiful daughter of the king beseeched her father to spare the young man with whom she had fallen in love minos refused he was an athenian after all and therefore an enemy
• 16:00 - 16:30 theseus had also fallen in love with ariadne but refused to give up on his plan he confessed his reason for coming to crete to ariadne he would enter the labyrinth to confront the minotaur and he was certain he would win ariadne had no doubts about her lover's strength but she informed him he was heading headfirst into a trap he had forgotten one small detail
• 16:30 - 17:00 entering the labyrinth was easy getting back out again was the hard part [Music] the labyrinth surpassed in ingenuity any maze that had ever existed it was designed and built by the greatest architect of his day daedalus daedalus had laid out a head spinning plan with dead ends everywhere detours and false paths
• 17:00 - 17:30 every direction was a lure every exit an illusion [Music] the labyrinth was an inescapable trap no one had ever come out alive theseus was distraught his plan was reduced to ashes not for one second had he considered that how to get out of the labyrinth only one man held the secret diadelus himself
• 17:30 - 18:00 ariadne went to him and begged him to reveal the secret of the labyrinth [Music] moved by the love the young princess felt for theseus the architect told her that there was only one way of getting out to keep a trace of how you got in he gave ariadne a ball of thread which she would hold at the entrance to the labyrinth theseus would gradually unroll the ball
• 18:00 - 18:30 and having found then slain the minotaur if he was able he would simply wind back the thread to find his way out ariadne gave the ball of wall to theseus in return for a promise that he would take her to athens with him when all was over for not only was she about to betray her
• 18:30 - 19:00 father by helping him but also her homeland [Music] theseus promised and entered the labyrinth [Music] he walked and walked for what seemed like forever suddenly
• 19:00 - 19:30 he heard the powerful snorts of the minotaur then he came face to face with the monster after a bloody battle to the death the minotaur fell to the ground theseus rewound ariadne's thread until he was back outside
• 19:30 - 20:00 he immediately freed his fellow athenians and fled with ariadne but a new threat hung over the young lovers heads although theseus was the son of poseidon he had just killed the minotaur one of his creatures
• 20:00 - 20:30 and offending a god like poseidon does not go unpunished [Music] having harbored at naxos ariadne went ashore poseidon chose that exact moment to unleash a violent theseus had to act and fast [Music] should he flee the storm or should he go
• 20:30 - 21:00 ashore to find ariadne thus risking his ship being flung against the rocks but it was athena who acted first [Music] implacable the patron goddess of athenians ordered theseus to set sail so as to avoid being shipwrecked she commanded him to leave ariadne behind
• 21:00 - 21:30 to forget her his destiny lay elsewhere [Music] thus theseus abandoned ariadne by obeying athena goddess of war but also of reason and wisdom theseus broke his promise for a reason of state as athena put it theseus left to fulfill his destiny of
• 21:30 - 22:00 becoming king leaving on the island of naxos the daughter of minos who believed she had betrayed her father and her homeland having been abandoned by theseus ariadne was soon consoled by dionysus athena had seen to that [Music] meanwhile back in athens the old king
• 22:00 - 22:30 egias continued to climb every day the hill overlooking the sea every day he scanned the horizon in the hope of seeing the ship that would bring home his son but in vain the sea was deserted and then one day a ship aegis waited for it to approach to make out the color of its sail he immediately recognized his son's ship
• 22:30 - 23:00 and it had hoisted a black sail theseus was dead [Music] overcome with grief egyus threw himself off the cliff into the sea the sea that still bears his name today the aegean
• 23:00 - 23:30 and yet theseus was alive and with the great joy of returning home he had forgotten his promise to his father to hoist a white sail [Music] when he landed in athens theseus discovered a city where the joy of his return was darkened with sadness yes athens was saved from the terrible
• 23:30 - 24:00 perils of the minotaur but the legitimate king igius dead [Music] look closely at this scene of the hero the victor of all combats who returned to become king theseus was a victor for sure but at what cost theseus incarnates insouciance the strong man who uses his strength alone not his mind the man who forgets his
• 24:00 - 24:30 promises [Music] the striking thing about theseus's early life is that everything he accomplished came with a terrible toll in the ancient greek world grandeur always went hand in hand with excesses that came back to haunt the hero and often his family and compatriots [Music] so
• 24:30 - 25:00 was he at fault yes certainly theseus knew that but all these experiences finally taught him that strength and trickery weren't enough once he had seen the error of his ways theseus once crowned king united the cities instilled justice and peace and placed power in the hands of the people thus founding a new regime which would
• 25:00 - 25:30 become known as democracy then he withdrew to a place known only to him he had undoubtedly finally understood into what precipice's oversight drags those who let themselves be distracted by it
• 25:30 - 26:00 [Music] you