In Nathaniel Hawthorne's retelling of the classic myth "The Minotaur," the story follows the young hero Theseus, who grows up in the city of Troezene under the care of his mother, Æthra, and his wise grandfather, King Pittheus. Theseus learns of his father, King Ægeus of Athens, and is determined to meet him. Æthra tells Theseus that he must first prove his strength by lifting a heavy rock under which his father's sword and sandals are hidden. As Theseus matures, he eventually lifts the rock, retrieves the items, and sets out for Athens. Along the way, he encounters and defeats various villains, including Procrustes and Scinis, showcasing his bravery and strength. Upon reaching Athens, Theseus is unknowingly targeted by his father's wife, the enchantress Medea, who plots to poison him. However, King Ægeus recognizes Theseus by his sword and sandals, preventing the tragedy. Theseus then learns of the Minotaur, a monstrous creature in Crete that demands a yearly tribute of Athenian youths. Determined to end this cycle of sacrifice, Theseus volunteers to be one of the victims, intending to slay the Minotaur. In Crete, Theseus meets Ariadne, King Minos's daughter, who falls in love with him and helps him navigate the labyrinth where the Minotaur resides. With her guidance and a silken thread to retrace his steps, Theseus confronts and defeats the Minotaur. He escapes with the other captives, but in the joy of their return, he forgets to change the ship's sails from black to white, signaling his victory. King Ægeus, seeing the black sails, believes Theseus has perished and tragically ends his own life. Theseus returns to Athens as a hero but is met with the sorrow of his father's death, marking the beginning of his reign as king.
