The Minotaur Through the Ages: A Literary Odyssey
The Minotaur, a half-man half-bull creature born of myth and imagination, has transcended the boundaries of ancient lore to become a captivating figure in literature. His birth, his pain and his life and death in the labyrinth have inspired writers and artists alike in conversations spanning millennia. From epic poems to contemporary novels, the Minotaur’s presence has evolved beyond the confines of the labyrinth becoming one of the most captivating of beasts to ever rise from Greek Lore and Mythology.
Ancient Earthquakes and Limitless Caverns
While many of us know the Minotaur as the antagonist of the great hero Theseus, it is possible that his presence in ancient Cretan culture may have gone beyond a simple monster. In fact, because of the excessive imagery of bulls such bull dancing in the frescoes on the walls, statues of bulls and even the word Labrys possibly connecting to bull in its etymology, it may have been that the Minotaur was an ancient deity long before the Cretes ever rose.
It should also be noted that the Minotaur, while mostly a Greek figure, shares similarities with Egyptians deities most notable of which is the fact that the Egyptian gods as the Minotaur usually are human bodied with the head of some animal or creature. The Minotaur may have been the last of a long line of ancient gods.
If we think of the Minotaur as a deity then the labyrinth may have been his realm, a realm that required sacrifices so as not to anger him or bring about a wrath. Earthquakes are common in Crete of course so it stands to reason that the ancient Cretan people may have seen sending sacrifices to him as a way of preventing this bull deity to try and escape and therefore invoking or creating earthquakes.
Echoes in Medieval Literature:
In medieval literature, the Minotaur often served as a symbol of chaos and the monstrous. The original myth, of course, sees Theseus as the righteous hero and the Minotaur as the monstrous force of nature. The great Italian poet Dante Alighieri, in his “Divine Comedy,” incorporated the Minotaur as a guardian of the circle of violence in the inferno. Here, the Minotaur’s primal nature and labyrinthine connection reinforced its role as an emblem of disorder and divine retribution.
The Minotaur’s influence also extended to medieval romance literature, where the labyrinthine theme and monstrous adversaries mirrored the challenges faced by the heroic protagonists. As tales of chivalry unfolded, the Minotaur became a metaphorical representation of the internal struggles faced by knights, navigating through their own psychological labyrinths. From this Minotaur figure being the ultimate antagonist some stories may have replaced it with the now classic dragons.
Resurgence in Modern Literature:
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the Minotaur experienced a renaissance in literature, often being reimagined and reinterpreted by contemporary authors. Steven Sherrill’s novel “The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break” introduces a poignant, modern perspective, depicting the Minotaur as a lonely and introspective figure working in the contemporary world. This portrayal breathes new life into the ancient myth, exploring themes of isolation and the quest for humanity.
In the short story collection by Jorge Luis Borges, Labyrinth, the Minotaur is seen as the introspective figure, victim of the story. He was not the Minotaur, but Asterion, his true name even in the classical stories. The word Asterion referring to star, or star-child, connecting this being with the goddess, mother of Hecate, Asteria. Asteria herself never partook in any major stories except in helping her sister give birth to the twins Apollo and Artemis. Asteria was then wooed by Zeus and mothered Hecate, goddess of magic.
David Elliott’s novel in verse, “Bull,” retells the myth from multiple perspectives, providing voices to the characters involved. By offering fresh insights into the Minotaur’s thoughts and emotions, Elliott’s work humanizes the creature and challenges traditional notions of monstrosity.
Pop Culture and Visual Arts:
Beyond literature, the Minotaur has also permeated popular culture and visual arts. From Picasso’s iconic “Minotauromachy” series to its appearances in video games like “God of War,” the Minotaur continues to inspire artists and creators across various mediums.
Let us also not forget that the Minotaur was Percy Jackson’s first adversary true adversary in Rick Riordan’s novel, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Lightning Thief. While defeating the fury was his first victory, facing the Minotaur was his first true challenge as he entered the world of demigods and monsters.
The Minotaur in George Frederic Watts, 1885 painting.
Conclusion:
The journey of the Minotaur through literature is a testament to the significance of this monstrous beast in the deep labyrinth. The Minotaur was a victim of circumstance, born out of a curse, created because of a gods anger, imprisoned in a labyrinth by his adoptive father, and killed for the glory of the future king of Athens. The Minotaur is a fascinating subject whose symbolism, and meaning span millenia. From its ancient roots as a mythical monster to its nuanced portrayals in contemporary works, the Minotaur has proven to be a versatile and timeless symbol. As authors continue to reinterpret and breathe new life into this ancient myth, the Minotaur remains a captivating and complex figure, navigating the labyrinth of human imagination for centuries.
Myths Reborn 