What do you think?
Rate this book
Theseus and the Minotaur
Recounts how Theseus killed the monster, Minotaur, with the help of Ariadne.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 1989
2 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 26, 2011
Assigned 398 as traditional literature by LOC, rather than the 290 assigned to mythology, even though the subject headings are Greek mythology. Although the cover clearly states this a retelling, there are no sources cited for the origin of the myth. The book tells the story of how Theseus, the son of the King of Athens, risks himself to free the people of Athens of the requirement to send 7 young men and 7 young women in tribute every 9 years to Minos, the King of Crete, who in turn gave them to his monster (half man, half bull) son, the Minotaur. Explains how the Aegean Sea is named after Aegeus, the father of Theseus, so that Aegeus is never forgotten. Lovely watercolor illustrations that are particularly effective in depicting the sea and sky.
August 8, 2017
My little 7 year old loves Greek, Roman, and Norse myths, so this book was perfect for him. Fun, albeit a little silly, illustrations.
January 19, 2017
fun illustrations
Read
October 6, 2015Title: Theseus and the Minotaur
Author: Warwick Hutton
Genre: Myth
Theme(s): Greek mythology, royal sacrifice, bravery
Opening line/sentence:
"Every nine years, the people of Athens had to make a
dreadful payment in tribute to Minos, King of Crete,
because one of his sons had been killed in Athens."
Brief Book Summary:
Theseus, the son of well-liked King Aegus, volunteered as tribute and sacrifice to attempt a slaying of the Minotaur, a dreadful half-monster. Hidden under a labyrinth castle, Minotaur was the most vicious monster and tributes often were left for dead during the battle. However, on the third year, Theseus reigned victorious and defeated the Minotaur, sailing back to his land in celebration and pride.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Patricia Dooley (School Library Journal)
Gr 2-5-- Hutton has made his name interpreting biblical and fairy-tale classics in watercolors of unforgettable beauty and imaginative intelligence. In Theseus his mastery is undimmed. His palette here leans toward bricky Cretan reds, sunny gold, and a winy blue for the sea, its waves limned with scrawls resembling linear B. The details are vivid: from Minoan palace architecture, with its distinctive "upside-down'' columns, to Theseus' hook-prowed, square-sailed, green-trussed ship, even to the hero's leaf-blade dagger with its elegant haft. In a style encompassing both tender lyricism and expressive eloquence, a plausible mythic past is evoked. For all the glory of the illustrations, this past is undeniably sombre: Ariadne is abandoned, Aegeus dies, Theseus is a flawed hero. Although Leonard Everett Fisher's Theseus and the Minotaur (Holiday, 1988) tells more of Theseus' story, both text and illustrations lack the poetry and imaginative verve of Hutton's version. Hutton's text here is longer than in his biblical adaptations, and the narrative less noble: cruelty, thoughtlessness, lust, and revenge underlie the plot. This is, however, a magnificent introduction to the all-too-human world of the great myths constructed, as is Theseus, around the sparkling Aegean.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Publisher's Weekly
Hutton's distinguishing artistic strengths--a skillful hand at rendering and juxtaposing luminescence and shadow--are clearly evident in the delicate but dramatic watercolor paintings that illustrate this classic Greek myth. And yet, despite many striking individual scenes, the work as a whole is less satisfying and resonant than Hutton's strongest books (especially his masterful interpretations of biblical lore). His version of Theseus's journey across the water and through the Cretan Labyrinth, and home again by sea, seems to wander in search of an emotional and dramatic center: even the pivotal confrontation between the title characters has little narrative or visual force. And the intricacies of the maze do not, as shown, fully capture the imagination. Ages 6-10.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Although the main purpose of the book is for learning purposes of the myth specifically, Hutton does an impressive job of teaching the audience much more than the original content. Through carefully drawn illustrations and appropriate colors, the reader also gains insight on the time period of which this myth is said to take place. With particular attention to architectural details and clothing adornments, the reader receives a full teaching and learning of Greek myth and storytelling.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
With the bright and carefully scripted illustrations, the detail Hutton uses transforms the pages into real life. Additionally, the watercolor elements allow for a realistic interpretation of the piece, sending readers to the times of Greek mythology. Although many words decorate each page, the illustrations play a vital role in the art of storytelling.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
Because this book is carefully scripted with several obvious breaks in the piece, I imagine reading this myth in a read-aloud format, spanned over the course of several days. Additionally, students can attempt a recreation of their own labyrinths, using multimedia formats, to truly understand the great structure of the Minotaur. Furthermore, students can perform charades, volunteering to participate in the acting of Theseus's deeds.
Author: Warwick Hutton
Genre: Myth
Theme(s): Greek mythology, royal sacrifice, bravery
Opening line/sentence:
"Every nine years, the people of Athens had to make a
dreadful payment in tribute to Minos, King of Crete,
because one of his sons had been killed in Athens."
Brief Book Summary:
Theseus, the son of well-liked King Aegus, volunteered as tribute and sacrifice to attempt a slaying of the Minotaur, a dreadful half-monster. Hidden under a labyrinth castle, Minotaur was the most vicious monster and tributes often were left for dead during the battle. However, on the third year, Theseus reigned victorious and defeated the Minotaur, sailing back to his land in celebration and pride.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Patricia Dooley (School Library Journal)
Gr 2-5-- Hutton has made his name interpreting biblical and fairy-tale classics in watercolors of unforgettable beauty and imaginative intelligence. In Theseus his mastery is undimmed. His palette here leans toward bricky Cretan reds, sunny gold, and a winy blue for the sea, its waves limned with scrawls resembling linear B. The details are vivid: from Minoan palace architecture, with its distinctive "upside-down'' columns, to Theseus' hook-prowed, square-sailed, green-trussed ship, even to the hero's leaf-blade dagger with its elegant haft. In a style encompassing both tender lyricism and expressive eloquence, a plausible mythic past is evoked. For all the glory of the illustrations, this past is undeniably sombre: Ariadne is abandoned, Aegeus dies, Theseus is a flawed hero. Although Leonard Everett Fisher's Theseus and the Minotaur (Holiday, 1988) tells more of Theseus' story, both text and illustrations lack the poetry and imaginative verve of Hutton's version. Hutton's text here is longer than in his biblical adaptations, and the narrative less noble: cruelty, thoughtlessness, lust, and revenge underlie the plot. This is, however, a magnificent introduction to the all-too-human world of the great myths constructed, as is Theseus, around the sparkling Aegean.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Publisher's Weekly
Hutton's distinguishing artistic strengths--a skillful hand at rendering and juxtaposing luminescence and shadow--are clearly evident in the delicate but dramatic watercolor paintings that illustrate this classic Greek myth. And yet, despite many striking individual scenes, the work as a whole is less satisfying and resonant than Hutton's strongest books (especially his masterful interpretations of biblical lore). His version of Theseus's journey across the water and through the Cretan Labyrinth, and home again by sea, seems to wander in search of an emotional and dramatic center: even the pivotal confrontation between the title characters has little narrative or visual force. And the intricacies of the maze do not, as shown, fully capture the imagination. Ages 6-10.
Response to Two Professional Reviews:
Although the main purpose of the book is for learning purposes of the myth specifically, Hutton does an impressive job of teaching the audience much more than the original content. Through carefully drawn illustrations and appropriate colors, the reader also gains insight on the time period of which this myth is said to take place. With particular attention to architectural details and clothing adornments, the reader receives a full teaching and learning of Greek myth and storytelling.
Evaluation of Literary Elements:
With the bright and carefully scripted illustrations, the detail Hutton uses transforms the pages into real life. Additionally, the watercolor elements allow for a realistic interpretation of the piece, sending readers to the times of Greek mythology. Although many words decorate each page, the illustrations play a vital role in the art of storytelling.
Consideration of Instructional Application:
Because this book is carefully scripted with several obvious breaks in the piece, I imagine reading this myth in a read-aloud format, spanned over the course of several days. Additionally, students can attempt a recreation of their own labyrinths, using multimedia formats, to truly understand the great structure of the Minotaur. Furthermore, students can perform charades, volunteering to participate in the acting of Theseus's deeds.
Read
March 1, 2016Title: Theseus and the Minotaur
Author: Warwick Hutton
Illustrator: (if different than author)
Genre: Mythology
Theme(s): Strength, Betrayal
Opening line/sentence: Every nine years, the people of Athens had to make a dreadful payment in tribute to Minos, king of Crete, because one of his sons had been killed in Athens.
Brief Book Summary: This is a retelling of the Greek myth of the hero Theseus and his battles with the monster that is known as the Minotaur. Hutton uses watercolor paintings to retell this classic myth in picture book form.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
Hutton's distinguishing artistic strengths--a skillful hand at rendering and juxtaposing luminescence and shadow--are clearly evident in the delicate but dramatic watercolor paintings that illustrate this classic Greek myth. And yet, despite many striking individual scenes, the work as a whole is less satisfying and resonant than Hutton's strongest books (especially his masterful interpretations of biblical lore). His version of Theseus's journey across the water and through the Cretan Labyrinth, and home again by sea, seems to wander in search of an emotional and dramatic center: even the pivotal confrontation between the title characters has little narrative or visual force. And the intricacies of the maze do not, as shown, fully capture the imagination. Ages 6-10. (Sept.)
(PUBLISHER: M.K. McElderry Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c1989.) Professional
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: McElderry (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing) (2) K-3 series. Warwick Hutton makes specific use of the patterns and designs of Minoan artifacts, architecture, and costume to illustrate his version of the famous myth. His narrative paintings carry emotional intensity and are imbued with personal as well as with universal meanings. Review, p. 78. Folktales/Myths/and Legends; Mythology
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I am very inclined to agree with both reviews that the illustrations are great in this book. Hutton really does pay close attention to the details in his artwork. I am not too familiar with the original story of Theseus and the Minotaur, so I cannot comment on the idea that the plot is not as forceful as it should be. I thought it was a good read.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The book is easy to read and the text is very straightforward. The best elements of this book are the artistic elements. The paintings do carry a lot of emotion, so this would be a good book to talk about art history and Minoan culture.
Consideration of Instructional Application: One thing that you could do with this book is have students learn to work with watercolors, since that is how the book is illustrated. They could paint something of their choice, or you could give a prompt with something to paint. You could also take a historical approach and talk about Minoan culture (architecture and costume).
Author: Warwick Hutton
Illustrator: (if different than author)
Genre: Mythology
Theme(s): Strength, Betrayal
Opening line/sentence: Every nine years, the people of Athens had to make a dreadful payment in tribute to Minos, king of Crete, because one of his sons had been killed in Athens.
Brief Book Summary: This is a retelling of the Greek myth of the hero Theseus and his battles with the monster that is known as the Minotaur. Hutton uses watercolor paintings to retell this classic myth in picture book form.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
Hutton's distinguishing artistic strengths--a skillful hand at rendering and juxtaposing luminescence and shadow--are clearly evident in the delicate but dramatic watercolor paintings that illustrate this classic Greek myth. And yet, despite many striking individual scenes, the work as a whole is less satisfying and resonant than Hutton's strongest books (especially his masterful interpretations of biblical lore). His version of Theseus's journey across the water and through the Cretan Labyrinth, and home again by sea, seems to wander in search of an emotional and dramatic center: even the pivotal confrontation between the title characters has little narrative or visual force. And the intricacies of the maze do not, as shown, fully capture the imagination. Ages 6-10. (Sept.)
(PUBLISHER: M.K. McElderry Books (New York:), PUBLISHED: c1989.) Professional
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: McElderry (Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing) (2) K-3 series. Warwick Hutton makes specific use of the patterns and designs of Minoan artifacts, architecture, and costume to illustrate his version of the famous myth. His narrative paintings carry emotional intensity and are imbued with personal as well as with universal meanings. Review, p. 78. Folktales/Myths/and Legends; Mythology
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I am very inclined to agree with both reviews that the illustrations are great in this book. Hutton really does pay close attention to the details in his artwork. I am not too familiar with the original story of Theseus and the Minotaur, so I cannot comment on the idea that the plot is not as forceful as it should be. I thought it was a good read.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The book is easy to read and the text is very straightforward. The best elements of this book are the artistic elements. The paintings do carry a lot of emotion, so this would be a good book to talk about art history and Minoan culture.
Consideration of Instructional Application: One thing that you could do with this book is have students learn to work with watercolors, since that is how the book is illustrated. They could paint something of their choice, or you could give a prompt with something to paint. You could also take a historical approach and talk about Minoan culture (architecture and costume).
October 23, 2015
This is one of the most downbeat of adventures, and Hutton doesn't do much to up-play it. He has a very dry, straightforward way of telling a story, which can comes across as unemotional. "Every nine years," he begins, "the people of Athens had to make a dreadful payment in tribute to Minos, king of Crete, because one of his sons had been killed in Athens." And that's the narrative tone for the story.
I was disappointed that the labyrinth gets such short shrift. I love seeing how different artists portray it, and love imagining victims lost within its passages. Instead, we spend most of the story watching Theseus journey across the seas and falling in love with the lovely Ariadne.
Finally, midway through, there are two pages of Theseus traversing the labyrinth. Thanks to Ariadne's ball of string, however, he has no problem finding the snoozing minotaur. The battle takes place in a single sentence: "Despite the thick stench and deep, wild roars, Theseus bravely cut and struck with the sword until the monster half-man lay dead."
A quick off-page rescue later, and Theseus, Ariadne and the other captives are racing to their boat. Hutton really enjoys these nautical sequences. I get the feeling he wishes the whole story could have just been comprised of people sailing in ships. So, Theseus has slain the beast, Ariadne is his forever, and everyone lives happily ever after!
No. Theseus strands Ariadne on the island of Naxos while she has fallen asleep. She awakens and realizes she has been abandoned. The sly Dionysus then appears out of nowhere and marries her in a brief ceremony.
Meanwhile, Theseus is still headed for Crete when he realizes, Wait! What happened to that beautiful woman I just rescued? Wasn't she just here a moment ago? He's so distraught that he forgets to hoist the white sail, like he told his father he would.
There was great joy and happiness among his companions when they landed on their own shore, but Theseus knew from the way people looked at him that something was wrong. "You said if you were safe you would hoist the white sail! Did you forget?" the people asked. "Your father, King Aegeus, watched and watched from the clifftop for your ship to come back. When at last he saw it far out in the distance with its black sail still up, he thought you must be dead. He stumbled, weeping, to his feet, and then fell from the cliff to the sea below. Theseus, you father is dead. You are now our king."
Way to go, Theseus!
http://www.picturebooksreview.com/201...
https://www.facebook.com/picturebooks...
I was disappointed that the labyrinth gets such short shrift. I love seeing how different artists portray it, and love imagining victims lost within its passages. Instead, we spend most of the story watching Theseus journey across the seas and falling in love with the lovely Ariadne.
Finally, midway through, there are two pages of Theseus traversing the labyrinth. Thanks to Ariadne's ball of string, however, he has no problem finding the snoozing minotaur. The battle takes place in a single sentence: "Despite the thick stench and deep, wild roars, Theseus bravely cut and struck with the sword until the monster half-man lay dead."
A quick off-page rescue later, and Theseus, Ariadne and the other captives are racing to their boat. Hutton really enjoys these nautical sequences. I get the feeling he wishes the whole story could have just been comprised of people sailing in ships. So, Theseus has slain the beast, Ariadne is his forever, and everyone lives happily ever after!
No. Theseus strands Ariadne on the island of Naxos while she has fallen asleep. She awakens and realizes she has been abandoned. The sly Dionysus then appears out of nowhere and marries her in a brief ceremony.
Meanwhile, Theseus is still headed for Crete when he realizes, Wait! What happened to that beautiful woman I just rescued? Wasn't she just here a moment ago? He's so distraught that he forgets to hoist the white sail, like he told his father he would.
There was great joy and happiness among his companions when they landed on their own shore, but Theseus knew from the way people looked at him that something was wrong. "You said if you were safe you would hoist the white sail! Did you forget?" the people asked. "Your father, King Aegeus, watched and watched from the clifftop for your ship to come back. When at last he saw it far out in the distance with its black sail still up, he thought you must be dead. He stumbled, weeping, to his feet, and then fell from the cliff to the sea below. Theseus, you father is dead. You are now our king."
Way to go, Theseus!
http://www.picturebooksreview.com/201...
https://www.facebook.com/picturebooks...
September 15, 2014
All I can say is this: this is a book far too text-heavy to be in picture book format for children, and the illustrations are uncompelling illustrations. It's completely off-putting, from the very first page. For a better rendering of Theseus (as well as many other myths) try D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths.
January 30, 2014
This was a read aloud to complement our Ancient Crete history lesson. This picture book offers a bit more to the story than the other two Minotaur books we read -- Monster in the Maze by Stephanie Spinner and The Minotaur of Knossos by Roberta Angeletti.
June 3, 2016
A nice addition to any elementary classroom/library for students covering or interested in Greek Mythology. I love reading all the varies versions of these tales to see all the subtle and not so subtle differences.
March 13, 2011
The text was ok but I felt the watercolors were just too bland for the story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews