Which hero is associated with slaying the Minotaur?

• A. Perseus
• B. Heracles
• C. Theseus
• D. Jason

Answer: (C)

Theseus is the hero associated with slaying the Minotaur. In the myth, Athens must send youths as tribute to King Minos in Crete, and Theseus volunteers to face the Minotaur in the labyrinth. The Minotaur is a fearsome being kept in a maze designed by Daedalus. With Ariadne’s thread to guide him, Theseus navigates the labyrinth, defeats the Minotaur, and then uses the thread to find his way back out. This act links Theseus forever to the destruction of the Minotaur and freeing Athens from the deadly tribute. Other famous heroes have different feats: Perseus defeats Medusa, Heracles completes many labors including the Cretan Bull but not the Minotaur, and Jason is known for the quest for the Golden Fleece.