Theseus

The Heroes #3

by Geraldine McCaughrean (Adapter)

Humble country boy Theseus sets off to meet his father, the king of Athens, and claim his right as heir to the throne in this classic story. Along the way, his intelligence and strength help him surpass all obstacles, including battles with giants, trolls, and the vicious Crommyonian Boar. With each triumph, his pride grows, as does a dangerous sense of immortality. When he makes the mistake of killing the giant bull that was a favorite of the sea god Poseidon, he brings a plague to Athens. In order to appease the gods, Athens is forced to provide a gruesome meal for the Minotaur, the son of Poseidon’s bull and a mortal woman. Will Theseus be able to defeat the Minotaur and bring peace back to Athens?

In this action-packed retelling, Theseus struggles to understand the timeless concepts of trust and true love, making this tale strikingly relevant for young people.

Genres: Mythology, Audiobook, Greek Mythology, Kids, Classics

120 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Geraldine McCaughrean is a British children's novelist. She has written more than 170 books, including Peter Pan in Scarlet (2004), the official sequel to Peter Pan commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the holder of Peter Pan's copyright. Her work has been translated into 44 languages worldwide. She has received the Carnegie Medal twice and the Michael L. Printz Award among others.

Reviews

[RebL · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good retelling for young readers. My 8YO and I read it in chapters at bedtime, and he enjoyed the stories, but didn't care for Theseus all that much. It's hard to root for a hero who is a horrible human being.

[Ms. P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Club choice for Heroes and Sheroes unit

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few historical anachronisms that pulled me out of the tale, but on the whole, a quick and interesting telling of the myth.

[Linda Isakson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In McCaughrean's retelling of the story of Theseus, she only differs in one or two points from the version as told through Ovid and Plutarch, but greatly embellishes his story to account for the miseries and unjust actions which he brings upon himself and his people.

The King Aegeus of Athens desperately wants a son and seeks the advice of Medea, a reknown soceress, as to the best way to obtain his desire. She prophesizes that the next woman he holds in his arms will carry his child. Eager to embrace his wife, Aegeus sets off home. Along the way, he stops to visit his friend King Pittheus. Accidently, Pittheus' daughter, Aethra, slips and falls into his arms. Aegeus, having remembered Medea's prophesy, leaves his sandals and sword under a rock, informing Aethra that if she should bear a son, when old and strong enough, the son will be able to reclaim the items under the rock. Meanwhile, Medea, having intentionally spoken the prophesy in order to seduce Aegeus herself, now is forced to reconsider her plan. Instead, she travels to Athens and disposes of Aegeus' wife. After a time, Aegeus marries Medea and bears another son, though this son is weak, whiny and no where near the type of man needed to rule Athens. Medea, however, does not know that Aegeus left his sandals and sword with Aethra, and thus is unaware that one day the Kings first son will come to claim his birthright.

Aethra names her son Theseus and he grows to be quite the vivacious boy. Hercules makes an appearance as a cousin (I think) and is equally impressed by Theseus' strength. Eventually, Theseus comes of age and when his village is attacked by a creature who likes to strike blows with his oversized club, Aethra tells Theseus that he can find a weapon under the rock. He retrieves the sword, kills the creature and becomes a hero. Aethra then tells Theseus of his father and he immediately sets out for Athens. Along the way, Theseus encounters several bandits and kills them in very graphic and bloody ways (i.e. lots of decapitation). Theseus makes his way to Athens and Medea, upon learning of his arrival, sets out to, unsuccessfully, assassinate him. Needless to say, Theseus convinces Aegeus of his identity and is welcome with open arms. Medea is found out to be the wicked witch and her and her devious son are banished.

At this point in the story, Theseus' real adventures begin. His pride, his arrogance, his selfish disdain for the feelings of others (yes, an Austin reference), highlights the many miseries he brings upon his father and himself. He kills Posideon's favorite creature, bringing his wrath upon Athens. He travels to Crete to kill the Minotaur, befriends Cerete's Princess Ariadne, and then leaves her stranded on an island during their escape back to Athens. Needless to say, she becomes an embittered enemy bent on revenge. Theseus marries Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazonian Women, only to betray her trust and loyality. And on, and on...Theseus, though a hero through might of arms, never learns how to be a true hero through respect and humility towards others.

A wonderful classic, beautiful in its retelling and as gripping as any Greek drama. Highly recommended read.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom: tell me about Theseus, the myth, as you learned about it in this book
Joseph: Before I read the book, pretty much all I know about Theseus was that he defeated the Minotaur and when he came back from that, he forgot to change the sails from black to white, so his father was grieved and died. This book tells that story and more about Theseus. It tells about his childhood until he died.

After Theseus became king, he married the Amazon queen. Then he also married Phaedra, who didn't want to marry him. Also, the Amazon queen got really mad and came armed to the wedding and tried to kill Theseus, but Theseus killed her. Years later, when he was old, Phaedra sent a letter to Theseus' son saying that he murdered the Amazon queen, his mother.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this with my sons after reading a Well Trained Mind and taking the advice to introduce kids to the classics early and often. I was skeptical about their interest.

The kids enjoyed it and I enjoyed remembering the old stories. It is a very simple version, but it leaves in the truth of the story (yes, it is pretty violent in places).

[Debrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously, heartbreakingly retold by McCaughrean.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susanne Collins gets her idea for The Hunger Games from this ancient Greek myth. Interesting.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very sad at the end. It was sad all the way through. He is mean.

[Julie Shick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Niko and I are enjoying reading the myths. Yet this one was not my favorite of the three we've read so far. Theseus was so conceited.

[Jodee Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book of Pride is what it really should be called. Thesues was extremely prideful. Good lessons to be learned

[Yemokoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I remember Theseus killing Minotaur. I liked Theseus's braveness. I absolutely liked this book.

[Rohith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book and also it can have a great action. Also it has mythical creatures and a hero. It is very interesting, I recommend people who like adventure and myths.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very interesting especially if you like greek myths. It has the many characteristics of myths.

[Bryan457 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't much like the protagonist.
I don't really like tragedies.

[Ms.Gaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's easy to catch up on Greek mythology with Full Cast Audio's editions of works by Geraldine McCaughrean.