Story Summary
Explore the tragic end of the legendary hero in The Death of Theseus. Discover how the slayer of the Minotaur met his demise through betrayal on the island of Skyros.
After years of glory as the King of Athens and the slayer of the Minotaur, Theseus found his golden age tarnished by tragedy and political unrest. Following the deaths of his wife Phaedra and his son Hippolytus, the aging hero lost the favor of his people. A usurper named Menestheus seized power, forcing Theseus to flee his beloved city. He traveled to the island of Skyros, hoping to claim his ancestral lands and find sanctuary with King Lycomedes. Though Lycomedes welcomed him with feigned hospitality, he secretly feared the hero's influence or sought to please Menestheus. Under the pretext of showing Theseus his new domain, Lycomedes led the old man to the highest cliff on the island. There, as Theseus gazed out at the sea he once commanded, the King pushed him into the abyss. The great hero died not in battle, but by the hand of a traitor on a lonely shore.
The Moral
Even the most celebrated heroes are vulnerable to the passage of time, the fickleness of public favor, and the sting of betrayal.
“The hero who conquered the Labyrinth could not escape the treachery of a false friend.”
Fun Fact
In 475 BCE, the oracle at Delphi commanded the Athenians to find Theseus's bones; when they found an unusually large skeleton on Skyros, they were convinced it was him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Death of Theseus?
The story serves as a reminder that fame is fleeting and that even the greatest protectors can be brought down by political shifts and personal betrayal. It emphasizes that a hero's end is rarely as glorious as their beginning.
Who killed Theseus and why?
Theseus was killed by King Lycomedes of Skyros. Lycomedes feared that Theseus would attempt to seize his throne or simply wanted to appease the new Athenian leadership that had exiled the hero.
How did Theseus die according to Greek mythology?
Unlike many heroes who died in grand battles, Theseus died by being pushed off a high cliff on the island of Skyros. He was caught off guard by a host he believed was a friend.
Why was Theseus exiled from Athens?
During Theseus's absence in the underworld, political rivals led by Menestheus stirred up the Athenian citizens against him. Upon his return, he found the city in chaos and his authority completely undermined.
Where is Theseus buried?
Legend says that centuries after his death, the Athenian general Cimon claimed to find his oversized bones on Skyros. He brought them back to Athens to be buried in the Theseion, a shrine dedicated to the hero.
Did Theseus die a hero?
While he died in a tragic and unheroic manner, the Athenians later deified him. He was remembered as their greatest founding father and a symbol of their democratic identity despite his lonely end.
