Myth Madness

Minos of Crete – Great King or Cruel Tyrant?

July 10, 2023 Nathan Rutherford Season 3 Episode 10
Minos of Crete – Great King or Cruel Tyrant?
Myth Madness
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Myth Madness
Minos of Crete – Great King or Cruel Tyrant?
Jul 10, 2023 Season 3 Episode 10
Nathan Rutherford

(40) Minos of Crete was a powerful king in Greek mythology. He was sometimes considered the first king to build a navy, and used this fleet to make himself master of the sea. Minos ruled according to the will of Zeus and listened to him when making laws, meaning he was a favourite of Zeus and a man who honoured the gods. But maybe, perhaps just like the king of the universe, the king of Crete was sometimes viewed as a tyrant. Some of his myths – such as the most famous one involving the Minotaur – show him in that way.

Show Notes

(40) Minos of Crete was a powerful king in Greek mythology. He was sometimes considered the first king to build a navy, and used this fleet to make himself master of the sea. Minos ruled according to the will of Zeus and listened to him when making laws, meaning he was a favourite of Zeus and a man who honoured the gods. But maybe, perhaps just like the king of the universe, the king of Crete was sometimes viewed as a tyrant. Some of his myths – such as the most famous one involving the Minotaur – show him in that way.