The King Must Die

Theseus grows up in Troizen believing himself marked by Poseidon, then travels to Eleusis and Athens to discover his human father and claim recognition from King Aegeus. When Athens must send young people to Crete, he volunteers to lead the tribute rather than accept safety as an heir.

At Knossos the captives become bull dancers within a palace society weakened by earthquake, rivalry and dependence on ritual. Theseus forms the Cranes, survives the arena and joins Ariadne in rebellion, but his return to Athens ends with the mistake that causes Aegeus's death.