Theseus and the Maze of the Minotaur

Myths and Legends #12

by Graeme Davis

The story of Theseus and the Minotaur is one of the best-known Greek myths, inspiring plays, films, books, and countless fantasy games. The Minotaur, originally a unique monster, has spawned an entire race of bull-headed ogres in games such as Dungeons & Dragons. But the slaying of the Minotaur is only one part of an entire cycle of tales recounting Theseus’s adventures. This resource collects information from a wide range of sources and sets the stories in historical context, showing how myths that have been passed down through the centuries help reflect actual Bronze Age events.

Genres: Mythology, Fantasy

84 pages, Library Binding

First published November 18, 2014

About the author

Graeme Davis was born at an early age and has lived ever since.

His enduring fascination with creatures from myth and folklore can probably be blamed equally on Ray Harryhausen and Christopher Lee. He studied archaeology at the University of Durham before joining Games Workshop in 1986, where he co-wrote the acclaimed Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay game among others.

He has worked on over 40 video games, countless tabletop roleplaying game products, and a few more sensible books in the realms of history, mythology, and folklore. Most recently, he has written multiple titles for Osprey Publishing's Dark Osprey and Myths and Legends lines.

He blogs at graemedavis.wordpress.com and tweets as @GraemeJDavis. His Facebook author page is at https://www.facebook.com/Graeme-Davis...

Reviews

[Anton Gladchenko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Достаточно любопытная серия от Osprey Publishing. Подробный пересказ классических мифов дополнен информацией про источники, исторический контекст, археологические находки, различные теории в научной среде. Есть информация и о влиянии мифов о Тесее на массовую культуру: книги, игры, литературу, кино и т.д. А в конце дана библиография.

При этом, пожалуй, главной изюминкой книги являются иллюстрации Jose Daniel Cabrera Pena. Все они очень кинематографичны. История так и просится на экран (кстати, это же можно сказать и про аналогичную книгу про аргонавтов).

В общем, хорошая работа. Минус один - слишком уж тонкая (всего 80 страниц), но исторические Osprey еще меньше. Такой уж формат.

[Bogdan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tezeu este un personaj semi-mitologic grec a cărui cea mai faimoasă faptă de arme a fost să-l omoare pe monstruosul Minotaur în labirintul său. Dar, după cum ne-a spus și Alexandru Mitru când ne-a repovestit legendele Olimpului pe înțelesul copiilor, Tezeu s-a mai luptat și cu alți monștri mitologici și a fost într-o vreme chiar și regele Atenei, locuitorii orașului ridicându-l la stadiul de erou/simbol național (pe vremea când Atena era oraș-stat).
Probabil blestemul și avantajul suprem al cărților Osprey este această metodă procustiană de a-și alcătui operele: practic, toate cărțile au aceeași structură și format, indiferent de autor. În acest caz particular, autorul aruncă o privire asupra miturilor principale care-l conțin pe Tezeu și pe Minotaur, ne descrie câteva surse antice, ne arată cum au evoluat aceste mituri până în ziua de azi și cum au influențat alte opere, medii etc, și toate acestea le presară cu picturi, fotografii și studi artistice ale unori artiști trecuți sau contemporani. Fix ca și restul cărților din seria Osprey.

[Declan Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

More information from the group behind Osprey Adventures, this full colour (and short) book looks at the Myth & Legend behind perhaps the most human of the Greek Legendary figures and his epic battle against the Minotaur. Actually more to do with the overall myth of Theseus the book also examines the impact of the Minotaur himself, and examines Theseus' appearance in other Greek Hero stories, as well as information on the state of Athens during his time.

All in all a very good addition to an interesting and informative series, even if you don't have an interest in a particular story.

[Joe Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting examination and history of Theseus

[Megan Sharp · Rating 3 out of 5]

He opened up a constellation of wounds