The Minotaur

The Ancients

History Hit

History

4.7 • 3.5K Ratings

🗓️ 10 November 2024

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Half man and half bull, the Minotaur is one of the most famous, and scariest, monsters of Greek mythology.

The story goes that it was trapped in a great labyrinth beneath Knossos on the island of Crete and feasted on human flesh until it was slain by the hero Theseus with the help of the princess Ariadne. But what exactly was the minotaur? What did the Ancients Greeks perceive it to be? In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes talks to Caroline Lawrence to delve deep into this mythology, and the complex and enduring legacy the Minotaur still holds in modern media today.

Presented by Tristan Hughes. The audio editor is Aidan Lonergan, it was produced by Joseph Knight. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

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Transcript

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0:48.5	It is one of the most famous and scariest monsters of Greek mythology, a creature half man and half bull trapped in a great labyrinth beneath Connoisse on the island of Crete.
0:53.9	Its story is a familiar one, a bloodthirsty beast that feasted on human flesh, until it was
1:00.3	slain by the hero Theseus, with the help of the Princess Ariadne.
1:05.2	But what exactly was the Minotaur?
1:08.1	How popular was its story in ancient times, and how has it endured and
1:12.2	evolved over the centuries down to the present day, in formats varying from 19th century
1:17.8	oil paintings to brand new TV series retelling the Greek myths?
1:24.0	It's The Ancients on History Hit. I'm Tristan Hughes, your host, and today we're delving deep into the Minotaur's story.
1:32.7	This creature's mythological life and legacy down to the present day.
1:37.4	Our guest for this episode is the wonderful best-selling author Caroline Lawrence.
1:42.2	Caroline has written many brilliant children's books over the years,
1:45.7	thrilling adventure stories set in the Greek and Roman worlds. Most recently, she has written a new book
1:52.0	all about the gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters of Greek mythology, including the Minotaur.
1:59.2	It was such a pleasure to record this interview with Caroline, and I hope you enjoy it.
2:07.0	Caroline, it is wonderful to have you on the podcast.
2:10.1	Tristan, it is wonderful to be here.
	...

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