A myth of Knossos

The father of gods, Zeus, was once again a naughty boy and had a fling with nymph Europa. Though the affair did not last for long, a boy came out of this, Minos. Europa was really upset with Zeus, but she believed that the best way to overcome your ex, is to find a new boyfriend, so she married the king of Crete, whom Minos succeeded. 

Minos married Pasiphae, daughter of Helios. Their sexual life must have been pretty good, considering that she bore him eight children. And they would have lived a happily ever after, if Minos had not aroused Poseidon’s wrath. The price he had to pay was a curse.

Pasiphae had to mate with a white bull; which she did, and she got pregnant- as if they did not have many kids and troubles anyway. She gave birth to a monster, Minotaur, who was half-man and half-bull. Minos imprisoned Minotaur in a maze at the palace, which was called Labyrinth and was a terrifying place.

The monstrous creature was of course carnivorous and its prey included 7 boys and 7 girls from Athens. Athens was obliged to send this blood tribute to Crete every year because of Minos’ son murder.  The tribute ended thanks to a very brave and smart man, Theseus.
Theseus entered the Labyrinth and killed the monster. With Ariadne’s help he managed to exit the maze, and after that the escaped from Crete and took Ariadne with him. What a nice ending! The blood tribute ended, the monster was killed, the couple escaped and Knossos was safe again.

Knossos is safe up to now actually! Why don’t you try visiting it? Book a luxury villa in Crete and enjoy all its mysteries and legends.