To the ancient Greeks, nothing said strength and skill like a little monster slaying. It seems like it was a requirement that a hero prove himself by slaughtering some monster or another. Perseus beheaded Medusa, Heracles hacked up the Hydra, Odysseus blinded a Cyclopes... the list goes on and on. Even though Theseus defeated a bunch of bad guys in his early adventures, none of his earlier enemies compared to the bull-headed, man-eating Minotaur. So, when Theseus slays the terrible creature, his reputation for strength and skill truly reaches mythic proportions.

1. What makes Theseus stronger than normal men?
2. Would Theseus have been able to complete his quest without Ariadne? Did he have the skills necessary? Why, or why not?
3. Compare Theseus to another Greek hero like Heracles, Jason, or Perseus. How does he measure up in terms of strength and skill?
4. What do you think is Theseus's greatest strength? His greatest skill? Why do you think so?
5. In what ways is Theseus weak?