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The Bull from the Sea

by Mary Renault Book 2 in the Theseus Series series.

First published 1962

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4.5(695)

After returning from Crete, Theseus becomes king of Athens and attempts to unite Attica while continuing the dangerous journeys expected of a hero. He forms a bond with the Amazon leader Hippolyta, and their son Hippolytus becomes the focus of competing ideas about inheritance and identity.

Following Hippolyta's death, Theseus marries Phaedra and renews his friendship with Pirithous. The attempt to seize a bride from the north ends in captivity, while Phaedra's desire for Hippolytus destroys the household and leaves Theseus to confront the decline of his authority.

Historical Periods

Ancient Greecec. 1100–146 BCE Minoan Cretec. 3000–1100 BCE Mycenaean Greecec. 1600–1100 BCE

Genres

Historical Fantasy Mythological Fiction

Series reading order

Books in the Theseus Series series

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