The Six Labours of Theseus, as told by E. M. Berens

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Knowing, by means of her supernatural powers, that Theseus was the king’s son, and fearing that her influence might be weakened by his presence, she poisoned the mind of the old king against the stranger, whom she represented as being a spy. It was accordingly arranged that Theseus should be invited to a banquet, and a strong poison mixed with his wine.

Now Theseus had resolved to reveal himself at this feast to the father whom he yearned to embrace. Before tasting the wine he put his plan into execution, and drew out his sword so that the eyes of the king might rest upon it. When Aegeus beheld once more the well-known weapon which he had so often wielded, he knew that it was his son who stood before him. He warmly embraced him, presented him as his heir to his courtiers and subjects, and then, no longer able to endure the sight of Medea, he banished her for ever from his dominions.

as told by E. M. Berens 1894

From ‘Myths and Legends of Greece and Rome’ (1894) by E. M. Berens. See also ‘Library’ 3.15.7, 3.16.1-2 and ‘Epitome’ 1.1-4 by Apollodorus.

Précis

On his arrival in Athens, Theseus found that his father had been snared by a new wife, the sorceress Medea. She, fearing for her power, sought to poison the boy, but before her plans could mature Theseus had presented his tokens of parentage; and after publicly recognising his son, Aegeus banished Medea from the land forever.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Précis

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