The Full Story of Theseus - Greek Mythology Stories in Comics - See U in History / Mythology

Summary

The video narrates the legendary story of Theseus, focusing on his adventures, trials, and tragic end. It details his failed attempt to rescue Persephone, which led to his imprisonment in the Underworld alongside Pirithus. After being freed by Hercules, Theseus returned to a changed Athens, where the Spartans had taken control. Betrayed by King Lycomedes, Theseus met his demise by falling off a cliff. Despite a tarnished legacy, his spirit inspired the Athenians during the Persian invasion at the Battle of Marathon, resulting in victory. Theseus's remains were honored in Athens, affirming his status as a great hero.

Takeaways

• 😀 Theseus and Pirithous attempted to kidnap Persephone from Hades but were tricked and imprisoned.
• 😀 Hercules intervened to free Theseus but could not save Pirithous, who remained in the Underworld.
• 😀 After many years, Theseus returned to a changed Athens, which had lost its democratic government.
• 😀 Castor and Pollux played a crucial role in rescuing Helen, which contributed to the chaos in Athens.
• 😀 Theseus felt too weak to reclaim his throne and decided to send his sons to safety in Crete.
• 😀 Theseus was betrayed by King Lycamedes, who pushed him off a cliff, leading to his death.
• 😀 The tragic end of Theseus tarnished his reputation, despite his previous heroics and adventures.
• 😀 The spirit of Theseus inspired Athenian warriors during the Persian invasion, leading to victory at Marathon.
• 😀 The Athenians honored Theseus posthumously by retrieving and burying his remains with great respect.
• 😀 Theseus is remembered as the greatest of all Athenian heroes, embodying themes of heroism, loyalty, and the consequences of hubris.

Q & A

What motivated Theseus and Pirithous to enter the Underworld?

Theseus and Pirithous imprudently set out for Hades' realm to kidnap Persephone.

What was the outcome of Theseus and Pirithous's attempt to kidnap Persephone?

Their attempt was unsuccessful, and they were imprisoned in the Underworld due to a trick by Hades.

How did Hercules become involved in the story of Theseus?

Hercules went to the Underworld to capture Cerberus as part of his 12th labor and ended up freeing Theseus.

What happened to Pirithous when Hercules attempted to rescue him?

Hercules was unable to free Pirithous due to an earthquake, indicating that it was not the will of the gods, and Pirithous remained imprisoned.

What political changes occurred in Athens during Theseus's absence?

The Spartans, led by Castor and Pollux, defeated the popular government of Athens to rescue their sister Helen, leading to the return of Athenian nobility's power.

Who was the reigning monarch of Athens when Theseus returned?

The reigning monarch was Menestheus, a descendant of the family that ruled before Theseus's father, Aegeus.

Why did Theseus decide to send his sons to Crete?

Theseus felt he did not have the strength to fight for Athens and wanted to protect his sons by sending them to their grandfather in Crete.

What betrayal did Theseus face on King Lycomedes's island?

King Lycomedes, a friend of Menestheus, led Theseus to a cliff and pushed him off, resulting in Theseus's death.

How did Theseus's death impact his legacy?

Despite the tarnished reputation due to his reckless adventures, Theseus's spirit inspired Athenian warriors during the Battle of Marathon against the Persians.

What honor did the Athenians give to Theseus after his death?

The Athenians retrieved his bones and buried them with great honors, recognizing him as the greatest of all Athenian heroes.