Theseus in the Ancient Sources: 117 Passages in Greek & English

Hesiod (1)

Hesiod, Fragments 1.72–85Athens, Crete and central GreeceThese fragments name Butes, Breyon and Cychreus, and then Minos, Androgeos and Ariadne. They end with the families of Eurytus, Autolycus, Locrus, Ileus, Clymene and Thoas.

Apollodorus (6)

Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome E.1.1–24Theseus and the Minotaur; Daedalus, Phaedra and PirithousThe Epitome picks up Theseus' labours with the sow of Crommyon and goes on through Sciron, Cercyon and Damastes, after which he reaches Athens and Medea's plot against him fails. With Ariadne's clue he kills the Minotaur, and Ariadne is left on Naxos for Dionysus; Aegeus leaps to his death when he sees the black sail. The section then follows Daedalus and Icarus and Minos's death in Sicily, Theseus's Amazon wife and Phaedra's passion for Hippolytus, the Centauromachy, Helen's abduction, and Theseus's capture in Hades and death on Scyros.
Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 3.10.1–9Hermes, Asclepius, Leda and the suitors of HelenThe Pleiades are named, and Maia bears Hermes to Zeus, who steals Apollo's cattle, invents the lyre and trades it for the cattle and the art of divination. The line of Taygete and Lacedaemon leads to Hyacinth, to Asclepius, son of Apollo and Coronis, whom Zeus strikes with a thunderbolt for raising the dead, and to Tyndareus and Icarius. Zeus, as a swan, lies with Leda, who bears Helen and the Dioscuri (or, in another version, Nemesis lays Helen's egg), and Theseus carries Helen off. The kings of Greece court Helen, and Tyndareus, on Odysseus's advice, binds them by an oath to defend the chosen husband.
Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 3.15.1–3.16.2Erechtheus, Aegeus, Minos's war on Athens and the birth of TheseusPandion's sons divide his inheritance and Erechtheus becomes king; his daughters include Procris, killed accidentally by Cephalus, and Orithyia, carried off by Boreas. The section covers Cleopatra and Phineus, Eumolpus and the war with Erechtheus, who sacrifices his daughter, and Aegeus and his marriages. Minos, to avenge Androgeus, takes Megara through Scylla's treachery and imposes the tribute of youths and maidens for the Minotaur. It ends with the birth of Theseus to Aethra and his first two labours, where the surviving text of the Library breaks off.
Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome E.5.1–23The death of Achilles, the Wooden Horse and the fall of TroyPenthesilea and then Memnon come to Troy's aid and are killed by Achilles, who is himself shot by Paris and Apollo. The contest for Achilles' arms drives Ajax to madness and suicide. Troy falls after Philoctetes shoots Paris, Helenus reveals the three conditions, Neoptolemus joins the army and Odysseus steals the Palladium, and the Greeks take the city with the Wooden Horse, Sinon and the beacon at Tenedos; the section closes with the sack, the deaths of Astyanax and Polyxena, and the division of the captives.
Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 2.5.11–12The Labours of Heracles (11-12): the Golden Apples and CerberusBecause the hydra and the stables are not counted, two more labours are added. For the golden apples of the Hesperides Heracles seizes Nereus to learn the way, defeats Antaeus and Busiris, frees Prometheus from the eagle, and gets the apples by tricking Atlas into taking the sky back. He is initiated at Eleusis, goes down to Hades by Taenarum, raises Theseus (but not Pirithous), wrestles Menoetes, and carries Cerberus up to Eurystheus and back.
Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 3.7.1–7Creon, Antigone, the Epigoni and AlcmaeonCreon takes the kingdom and forbids the burial of the Argive dead; Antigone buries Polynices and is entombed alive, and Theseus's Athenians recover the dead for Adrastus. Ten years later the sons of the fallen, the Epigoni, take Thebes under Alcmaeon, and the Thebans flee after Tiresias's death. Alcmaeon kills his mother Eriphyle, is driven mad, marries Arsinoe and Callirrhoe, and is killed over Harmonia's necklace and robe; his sons by Callirrhoe avenge him and colonize Acarnania.

Sophocles (17)

Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 551–606Second episode (cont.): Theseus' kindness and Oedipus' requestTheseus says that, having himself been brought up in exile and danger, he would never turn away a stranger such as Oedipus. Oedipus answers that he has come to give his body as a gift, not for its looks but for its profit, which will become clear when he is dead and Theseus has buried him. He warns that his sons will try to carry him off to Thebes, because an oracle makes them fear his presence.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 607–667Second episode (cont.): the promise of protectionOedipus tells Theseus that only the gods are free from old age and death, and that all else is changed by time, with trust dying and distrust being born, so that the friendship between Thebes and Athens will not last. He says that the time will come when his buried body will drink the warm blood of the Thebans. Theseus promises to protect him, saying that no one will take him from there against his will.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1139–1180Fourth episode (cont.): a suppliant at Poseidon's altarTheseus says that he is not surprised at Oedipus' delight, and tells him that when he first set out a man, a kinsman of Oedipus but not a Theban, was sitting as a suppliant at the altar of Poseidon. Oedipus guesses that it is his son, and says that he does not want to speak to him, and Theseus reminds him of his duty to the god.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1500–1555Sixth episode: Oedipus tells Theseus the secret of his burialTheseus comes, and Oedipus says that his hour has come and that he wishes to repay Theseus' kindness by showing him the place of his death. He tells Theseus that the place will be a defence for Athens against Thebes, and that he must reveal it to no one but his eldest son, and so on in each generation. Oedipus then sets out to the place, leading Theseus and his daughters himself, and says farewell to the light.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1714–1779Exodos (cont.): Theseus and the endThe Chorus tell the sisters that his end is blessed, and Antigone wishes that she might see her father's grave. Theseus tells her that Oedipus told him that no one should approach the place or disturb it. She yields, and asks to be sent to Thebes, to prevent the deaths of her brothers. Theseus promises to do that and whatever else he can for them, and the Chorus bid them cease their mourning.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 887–938Third episode (cont.): Theseus arrives and orders the pursuitTheseus hears the shout and hurries from his sacrifice to Poseidon, and Oedipus tells him that Creon has taken his daughters. Theseus orders his men to leave the sacrifice and ride to the place where the two roads meet, so that the girls cannot be carried off. He tells Creon that he will not leave the land until he has brought the girls before him, and rebukes him for his violence against a city of law.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1014–1043Third episode (cont.): Theseus goes after the girlsThe Chorus say that the stranger is a good man and worthy of help. Theseus tells Creon to guide him to the place where the girls are being held, and warns that Creon has been captured as he hunted and will not have allies. Creon says that he will not object while he is there, but that at home he will know how to act. Theseus promises Oedipus that he will not cease until he has restored his children, and Oedipus thanks him for his nobility.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1556–1666Fourth stasimon; the Messenger reports the death of OedipusThe Chorus pray to the Unseen Goddess and the lord of the dead that Oedipus may go down painlessly to the plain of the dead. A Messenger comes and says that Oedipus is dead, and tells how he washed and dressed himself, and how at the place of the oath he said farewell to his daughters. A voice from the god called him, he sent his daughters away, and only Theseus saw how he passed from the world.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1099–1138Fourth episode: the girls are brought backAntigone and Ismene return, brought by Theseus and his followers, and Oedipus embraces them, saying that if he should die he would not be wholly wretched now that he holds his dearest. He thanks Theseus and says that he has found piety among the Athenians above all men. He asks to touch his hand, but then draws back, saying that a man so stained should not be touched.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1181–1210Fourth episode (cont.): Antigone persuades her fatherAntigone asks her father to let her brother come and say what he wishes, since there is no harm in hearing, and reminds him that he has himself suffered from his own father's anger. Oedipus, overcome by her pleading, gives way, but asks Theseus that no one should ever have power over his life. Theseus says that he will keep him safe while the gods preserve him.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1448–1496Kommos: the thunder and the call for TheseusThe Chorus say that new ills have come from the blind stranger, and thunder crashes and the sky resounds. Oedipus cries that the winged thunder of Zeus will soon lead him to Hades, and begs for someone to bring Theseus. As the thunder grows louder the Chorus call on Zeus for mercy and beg Theseus to come quickly.
Sophocles, Philoctetes 507–627Second episode: Neoptolemus agrees; the Merchant's warningThe Chorus urge Neoptolemus to pity the man, and he agrees to take Philoctetes on board, and Philoctetes is overjoyed. As they are about to go, a Merchant arrives and says that Phoenix and the sons of Theseus are coming after Philoctetes, and that Odysseus and Diomedes are sailing for the same purpose. He tells them that the Trojan seer Helenus has foretold that Troy will fall only if Philoctetes is brought to it, and Philoctetes says that he would rather die than be persuaded by Odysseus.

5 more passages of Sophocles that name Theseus

Euripides (39)

Euripides, Suppliants 87–161First episode: Theseus questions Adrastus about the expedition against ThebesTheseus hears the lamentation from the shrine and asks what it means. Aethra tells him that the mothers of the seven chiefs who fell at Thebes keep her prisoner with suppliant boughs. Theseus asks Adrastus, who is muffled in his cloak, to unveil his head and speak, and Adrastus tells how he led the expedition against Thebes, and Theseus says that he showed a preference for courage over discretion.
Euripides, Heracles 1204–1254Exodos: Theseus finds the veiled HeraclesAmphitryon asks his son to take the mantle from his eyes and show his face to the sun, and Theseus says that no darkness is black enough to hide the misery, and tells him to show his face to his friends. Theseus has come with an army of Athenians to help in the fight against Lycus, and learns what has happened.
Euripides, Heracles 1394–1428Exodos: Heracles leaves for Athens with TheseusTheseus tells him to rise, since he has had his fill of tears, and offers his arm as a guide. Heracles asks his father to bury the children, and says that he will follow Theseus to Athens like a little boat in the wake of a ship, and bids Amphitryon farewell; the Chorus leaves in tears, having lost its friend.
Euripides, Hippolytus 1036–1089Fourth episode: Theseus banishes HippolytusThe Chorus says that his oath is a strong proof of innocence, but Theseus calls him a wizard and sentences him to exile rather than death. Hippolytus says that he would tell all if he were not bound by his oath, and asks to be heard by seers and by time. Theseus will not listen and orders his servants to drive him from the land.
Euripides, Heracles 1146–1202Exodos: Heracles wishes to die as Theseus arrivesHeracles asks why he should spare his own life, being the murderer of his children, and speaks of leaping from a rock or of piercing his own breast with a sword. He sees Theseus coming with his army, and veils his head, saying that he does not want to bring his pollution on his friend.
Euripides, Suppliants 564–597Second episode: Theseus sends the Herald away and prepares for warThe Chorus encourages Theseus, and the Herald says that Theseus will never take the sons of Argos from the Thebans, and warns him that he will have to fight a war first, and calls him rash for his youth. Theseus says that he is not stirred to anger by boastful words, and sends the Herald away, saying that he is making ready to go to the Cadmeans' land.
Euripides, Suppliants 918–954Fourth episode: Theseus arranges the burialThe Chorus laments for the sons that they bore. Theseus says that the gods took Amphiaraus living, chariot and all, into the earth, and he will bury Capaneus apart as a consecrated corpse. He tells the mothers that they must not touch their sons' bodies, which are too marred to be seen, and that their bones will be given to them after the burning.
Euripides, Hippolytus 790–847Fourth episode: Theseus returns to find Phaedra deadTheseus, returning with a garland on his head from his mission, asks what the cries in the palace mean. The Chorus tells him that his wife is dead, and Theseus, in grief, wishes that he could hide in the depths of the earth, and laments for his wife and his children.
Euripides, Suppliants 1165–1234Exodos: Athena binds Argos to Athens by an oathTheseus tells Adrastus that he gives him these bones, and asks that Argos remember Athens' service, and Adrastus pledges eternal gratitude. Athena appears and tells Theseus that he should not give the bones back until the Argives have sworn an oath never to attack Athens, and tells him how the oath is to be sworn over a tripod of Heracles, and she foretells that the sons of the dead, the After-born, will avenge them and take Thebes.
Euripides, Hippolytus 1255–1324Exodos: Theseus hears the news and Artemis appearsTheseus says that his hatred of his son made him glad of the news, yet feels neither joy nor sorrow at his sufferings, and orders his servants to bring him home. The Chorus sings that Aphrodite rules the hearts of gods and men, and that her power is supreme, and then the goddess Artemis appears. She tells Theseus that he has slain his son on a false charge, explains Phaedra's passion and the lying letter, and says that he misused one of Poseidon's three promised wishes.
Euripides, Hippolytus 1416–1466Exodos: Hippolytus forgives his father and diesArtemis tells Hippolytus that the wrath of Aphrodite will not fall on him unrequited, since she will punish one of the goddess's favourites herself, and that unwed maidens will cut off their hair for him and that the virgin choir will hymn his memory for ever. She tells Theseus to hold his son in his arms, and leaves, and Hippolytus forgives his father and dies. The Chorus says that the whole city is sorrowing.
Euripides, Suppliants 634–730Messenger speech: Theseus defeats the ThebansA Messenger, servant of Capaneus, who escaped captivity, tells the Chorus that Theseus has won a victory and that the Athenians are safe. He describes how, from a tower at Electra's gate, he watched the armies draw up, and how the herald of Theseus called on the Thebans to be still, and Creon would not let his herald answer, so that the chariots charged and the battle was joined, and Theseus drove the Thebans back to their walls.

27 more passages of Euripides that name Theseus

Apollonius Rhodius (1)

Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica 3.912–1025Jason and Medea meet at the temple of HecateArgus leads Jason and Mopsus towards the shrine of Hecate, and a crow, speaking for Hera, mocks Mopsus; he sends Jason on alone. Jason and Medea meet in silence, and he begs her for help, speaking of Ariadne and Theseus. She gives him the charm.

Callimachus (1)

Callimachus, Hymns 4.205–326Hymn to Delos: the birth of ApolloLeto sits by the Inopus and leans against a palm-tree, bidding her child be born, and Iris tells Hera, who relents because Zeus has calmed her. The swans of Pactolus circle Delos seven times, which is why Apollo's lyre has seven strings, and the island turns to gold as the god is born. Delos tells Earth that Apollo will love her above all lands and that she will wander no more. The poet then describes the first-fruits sent to Delos from the north, the dance of Theseus at the image of Cypris, and the sailors' rite at the altar.

Diodorus Siculus (5)

Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, Books 4 to 6 (the Greek myths) 4.59.1–4.63.5TheseusThe historian tells of Theseus' birth at Troezen and his labours against the robbers on the road to Athens, then of the Minotaur: Minos' war over the death of Androgeos, the tribute of youths, Ariadne's help, and Theseus' union of the Attic demes into one city. He adds the story of Phaedra and Hippolytus and the exploits of Peirithoüs, including the abduction of Helen and the descent to Hades.
Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, Books 4 to 6 (the Greek myths) 4.28.1–4.30.6The Amazons' invasion of Attica and the colony in SardiniaThe surviving Amazons and the Scythians invade Attica to avenge Heracles' attack, and Theseus defeats them, Antiope dying in the battle. The god tells Heracles to send a colony to Sardinia led by his sons by the daughters of Thespius; Iolaüs leads it, calls the people Iolaeis, and builds great works with the help of Daedalus, and the settlers later retreat into the mountains.
Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, Books 4 to 6 (the Greek myths) 4.57.1–4.58.8The HeracleidaeEurystheus, fearing the sons of Heracles, has them driven from Trachis; the Athenians alone take them in, and with Iolaüs, Theseus and Hyllus they defeat Eurystheus, who is killed by Hyllus. The Heracleidae then attack the Peloponnese, but Hyllus is killed in single combat by Echemus and they retreat for fifty years; Tlepolemus, driven from Argos for a killing, founds three cities on Rhodes.
Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, Books 4 to 6 (the Greek myths) 4.67.1–4.70.4Aeolus and Boeotus, Salmoneus and Neleus, the Lapiths and CentaursAfter the Epigoni return home, Teiresias dies at Tilphossaeum and the Cadmeans leave it, and the historian gives the story of Arne, Aeolus and Boeotus. He then follows Salmoneus, Tyro and their descendants as far as Nestor, and turns to the Lapiths and Centaurs: the sons of Peneius, Ixion's crime against Eïoneus, and the origin of the Centaurs.
Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, Books 4 to 6 (the Greek myths) 5.50.1–5.54.4Naxos, Syme, Calydna and NisyrosThe first settlers of Naxos are Thracians led by Butes; their dealings with the sons of Aloeus and with Dionysus, who is said to have been reared there, are told in turn. The historian then briefly gives the settlement of Syme, with its king Nireus, and of Calydna and Nisyros.

Ovid (7)

Ovid, Metamorphoses 7.404–452Medea and TheseusMedea becomes the wife of King Aegeus of Athens, and Theseus comes to the court, not yet recognised as the king's son. She brews poison for him, but Aegeus sees the sword that Theseus wears, and knocks the cup from his hand, and Medea escapes in a cloud. Athens celebrates with feasts and prayers for the hero.
Ovid, Metamorphoses 8.264–444The Calydonian boar huntArtemis (Diana), angered at being forgotten at the harvest rites, sends a huge boar to ravage the fields of Calydon, and Meleager gathers heroes from all Greece to hunt it. The hunters include Theseus, Jason, Castor and Pollux, and the huntress Atalanta, whose beauty and skill the others admire. Atalanta first wounds the boar, and Meleager kills it, and awards the head and hide to her. Meleager's uncles, jealous of Atalanta, snatch the prize from her, and Meleager kills them in a rage.
Ovid, Metamorphoses 8.547–610Theseus at the house of Achelous; PerimeleTheseus, on his way back to Athens, is stopped by the flooded river Achelous, who invites him to his hall and entertains him with tales of changes. Achelous tells him of the Echinades, once nymphs whom he spurned, and of Perimele, whom he loved, and whom her father threw into the sea. Poseidon (Neptune), in pity, turned her into an island.
Ovid, Metamorphoses 8.152–263The Minotaur; Daedalus and IcarusMinos returns to Crete and shuts the Minotaur, the monster born of Pasiphae's unnatural love, in a labyrinth built by Daedalus. The Athenians pay tribute of youths and maidens until Theseus kills the monster with the help of Ariadne's thread, and Ariadne is placed among the stars as a crown. Daedalus, long exiled in Crete, makes wings of feathers and wax for himself and his son Icarus, who flies too near the sun and falls into the sea. Daedalus' nephew Perdix, whom he threw from a tower out of jealousy, is changed into a partridge, and Daedalus is received by King Cocalus in Sicily.
Ovid, Metamorphoses 12.210–326The Lapiths and the Centaurs: the wedding feastNestor describes the wedding of Pirithous, king of the Lapiths, and Hippodame, to which the centaurs are invited as guests. The centaur Eurytus, drunk, seizes the bride, and the rest follow his example, and a general brawl begins. Theseus strikes Eurytus down with a bowl, and the centaurs seize tables and weapons, and the Lapiths fight them, with many dead on both sides.
Ovid, Metamorphoses 12.327–458The Lapiths and the Centaurs: the battleNestor goes on describing the fighting, in which the centaurs and Lapiths kill one another with uprooted trees, antlers, torches and altar-fires. Among the dead are the centaur Cyllarus and his mate Hylonome, a pair of lovers who die together.
Ovid, Metamorphoses 9.1–97Achelous and HeraclesTheseus asks Achelous why he has a broken horn, and the river god tells how he and Heracles (Hercules) fought for the hand of Deianira. Achelous changed into a snake and then a bull, and Heracles tore off one of his horns. The nymphs filled it with fruits and flowers, and it became the horn of plenty.

Pausanias (31)

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.17.1–6Athens: altar of Mercy, gymnasium of Ptolemy and sanctuary of TheseusIn the market-place are altars of Mercy, Modesty, Rumour and Impulse, which Pausanias takes as proof of Athenian piety. Nearby are the gymnasium of Ptolemy and the sanctuary of Theseus, with paintings of the Amazon war, the Centaur battle and Minos testing Theseus with a ring. He then gives the conflicting tales of Theseus’ death: his capture in Thesprotia with Pirithous, his loss of the throne to Menestheus, and his end on Scyros, from where Cimon later brought his bones to Athens.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.3.1–5Athens Agora: Royal Colonnade, Apollo Patroos and the Council HouseThe Ceramicus is named after the hero Ceramus. The Royal Colonnade has terra-cotta figures of Theseus and Sciron and of Day carrying Cephalus, with nearby statues of Conon, Timotheus, Evagoras, Zeus of Freedom and Hadrian. A colonnade with paintings of the Twelve Gods and of Theseus with Democracy leads Pausanias to dispute the tale that Theseus gave power to the people; he also describes Euphranor’s painting of the cavalry fight at Mantinea, the temple of Apollo Paternal, the sanctuary of the Mother of the Gods and the Council House of the Five Hundred.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.27.1–10Athens Acropolis: Athena Polias, the Arrephoroi, Tolmides and the bull of MarathonIn the temple of Athena Polias Pausanias lists a wooden Hermes, Daedalus’ folding chair, Persian spoils and the sacred olive, then the temple of Pandrosus and the secret night rite of the Arrephoroi. He describes figures of Erechtheus and Eumolpus, the statue of Tolmides with a summary of his campaigns, and bronze groups of Theseus lifting the rock, and of Theseus and the bull of Marathon, told through Troezenian and Cretan tales.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 2.32.1–10Troezen: Hippolytus’ precinct, the acropolis and the roads from the cityPausanias describes the precinct of Hippolytus with its temple, annual rites and offerings of maidens’ hair, the stadium and the temple of Peeping Aphrodite above it, Phaedra’s myrtle and tomb. He then covers the temple of Athena Sthenias on the acropolis, the sanctuary of Pan the Deliverer, temples of Isis and Aphrodite of the Height, the rock of Theseus, and sanctuaries of Poseidon and Demeter. He ends with the harbour, Genethlium, the twisted olive and the sanctuary of Saronian Artemis.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 10.29.1–10Delphi: Polygnotus' painting of the underworld (2): Indolence, Ariadne, Phaedra, Theseus and PirithousPausanias continues the underworld painting with the comrades of Ulysses bringing black rams, the figure of Indolence plaiting a rope eaten by a she-ass, and Tityus. He describes Ariadne and Phaedra, with the account of Dionysus and the bridge at Zeugma, then Chloris, Thyia, Procris, Clymene, Megara and Eriphyle. Near them are Elpenor, Ulysses at the trench with Tiresias and Anticlea, and Theseus and Pirithous seated with their swords.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.41.1–9Megara: tomb of Alcmena, the lion of Cithaeron and the tomb of TereusPausanias describes the tomb of Alcmena, the altar of Achelous, the tomb of Hyllus, and the temple of Apollo and Artemis built by Alcathous after he killed the lion of Cithaeron. He criticises the Megarian version of the story, arguing that Alcathous came after the fall of Megara in Nisus’ reign. He then lists the shrine of Pandion, the tomb of the Amazon Hippolyte and the barrow of Tereus, whom he places at Daulis rather than Megara.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.39.1–6Eleusis to Megara: the Flowery Well, graves of the Seven and early MegaraOn the road from Eleusis to Megara Pausanias notes the Flowery Well where Demeter sat, the sanctuary of Metanira and the graves of the heroes who marched against Thebes, buried by Theseus. He adds the tomb of Alope and the wrestling-ground of Cercyon, then crosses into Megaris and gives the competing Megarian and Boeotian accounts of its origins, from Car, Lelex and Nisus to Sciron, Megareus and the Dorian takeover.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.15.1–4Athens Agora: the Painted Colonnade and its paintingsThe Painted Colonnade holds paintings of the Athenians against the Spartans at Oenoe, Theseus fighting the Amazons, the Greek kings after the fall of Ilium, and the battle of Marathon with the hero Marathon, Theseus, Athena, Hercules, Callimachus, Miltiades and Echetlus. Bronze shields hang there, some taken from the Scionians and some, smeared with pitch, from the Spartans captured at Sphacteria. A trophy on a nearby gate marks a cavalry victory over Plistarchus.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.22.1–8Athens: Propylaea, Wingless Victory and the picture gallery of the AcropolisBelow the Acropolis are the temple of Themis, the barrow of Hippolytus with the Troezenian version of Phaedra’s love, and shrines of Vulgar Aphrodite, Earth and Green Demeter. Pausanias describes the single approach, the white marble Propylaea and the temple of Wingless Victory, where Aegeus is said to have thrown himself down. In the chamber of pictures he lists Polygnotus’ paintings of Diomede, Ulysses, Orestes and Polyxena, a portrait of Musaeus, and Hermes and the Graces by Socrates.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 2.1.1–9Isthmus of Corinth: early Corinth, the robbers of Theseus and the temple of PoseidonPausanias opens the Corinthian book with the origins of Corinth, the Roman destruction by Mummius and the later refoundation. He notes Cromyon and the sow Phaea, the pine-tree and altar of Melicertes, and the robber Sinis killed by Theseus, and discusses attempts to cut through the Isthmus. He then describes the sanctuary of Poseidon, its theatre and stadium, the statue groups given by Herodes and the Nereids.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 3.18.1–16Sparta to Amyclae: Ammon, Cnagian Artemis and the throne of ApolloPausanias lists images and shrines near the statues of Pausanias, including Athena Ophthalmitis, the sanctuary of Ammon and Cnagian Artemis, and then follows the road to Amyclae by the river Tiasa and the sanctuary of the Graces. At Amyclae he describes the tripods and dedications and Bathycles’ throne of the Amyclaean Apollo, listing its mythological reliefs on the front and underneath.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 10.25.1–11Delphi: the Cnidian Lesche and Polygnotus' painting of Troy after its capture (1)Pausanias describes the building dedicated by the Cnidians at Delphi, called the Lesche or Club-room, with its paintings by Polygnotus. On the right wall the painting shows Troy after its capture and the Greeks setting sail, with Menelaus' crew and the pilot Phrontis, then Helen and her handmaids, Helenus, the wounded Meges and Lycomedes, Aethra and Demophon, and the captive Trojan women, Andromache, Medisicaste and Polyxena, with Nestor.

19 more passages of Pausanias that name Theseus

Quintus Smyrnaeus (2)

Quintus Smyrnaeus, The Fall of Troy (Posthomerica) 4.323–464Funeral games: boxing, archery and the iron barEpeius, son of Panopeus and builder of the Horse, steps forward for the boxing, and none dares face him. Oileus' son and Teucer then compete in archery at a helmet. Aias alone is able to hurl the great bar of iron.
Quintus Smyrnaeus, The Fall of Troy (Posthomerica) 13.415–563Troy burns; Aethra rescuedThe gods mourn Troy, all but Hera and Athena, though Athena turns away in anger as Aias son of Oileus outrages Cassandra in her temple. Fire destroys the city and Trojans die in their burning houses, and the glow is seen from Ida and Tenedos. Aethra is found by her grandsons Demophoon and Acamas, who promise to take her home to Greece. Laodice is swallowed by the earth, and the Pleiad Electra hides herself from sight.

Nonnus of Panopolis (3)

Nonnus of Panopolis, Dionysiaca 47.364–495Book 47: Ariadne's lament; her marriage to Dionysos; the madness of ArgosAriadne laments her abandonment and begs any passing sailor to take her to Athens. Dionysos appears, consoles her and promises her a crown of stars, and they marry on Naxos amid songs and dances. He then goes to Argos, where the people, fearing Hera, refuse his rites, and he drives the Argive women mad so that they kill their infant children.
Nonnus of Panopolis, Dionysiaca 47.256–363Book 47: Dionysos finds Ariadne asleep on NaxosZeus's gift of the stars is given as the true account, and Dionysos goes to Naxos, where Theseus has just abandoned the sleeping Ariadne. Dionysos, mistaking her for a goddess, calls on the Bacchants to hush their music. Ariadne wakes to find no ship and no husband, and cries out against Theseus and the winds.
Nonnus of Panopolis, Dionysiaca 48.474–652Book 48: Dionysos' wine-spring and the sleeping AuraLovesick and unable to speak to the unyielding Aura, Dionysos sees the shade of Ariadne reproach him in a dream. Remembering how he won another nymph by a potion, he opens a spring of wine on the rock when Aura is parched with thirst at midday. She drinks, falls asleep, and Dionysos binds her hands and feet and takes her while she sleeps.

Bacchylides (2)

Bacchylides, Dithyrambs 17.1–132Dithyramb 17: Theseus and MinosA ship bears Theseus and fourteen Athenian youths and maidens to Crete, where Minos lays a hand on a maiden and Theseus rebukes him. Minos asks Zeus for a sign and challenges Theseus to bring back his gold ring from the sea. Theseus dives, is carried by dolphins to the hall of his father Poseidon and robed by Amphitrite, and comes back unwetted to the ship while the Athenians sing a paean.
Bacchylides, Dithyrambs 18.1–60Dithyramb 18: Theseus, a dialogue of the chorus and AegeusThe chorus asks Aegeus why the war-trumpet has sounded over Athens. Aegeus replies that a herald has reported the deeds of a man who has killed Sinis, closed the wrestling-school of Cercyon and silenced the hammer of Polypemon. He describes the stranger's sword, javelins, Laconian bonnet and purple tunic, and says that he seeks Athens.

Epic Cycle (2)

Epic Cycle, Summaries and Fragments 5.1–38CypriaProclus' summary of the Cypria opens with Zeus planning the Trojan War with Themis, the quarrel of the three goddesses, Alexandrus, Helen and the gathering of the Greeks at Aulis. The fragments cover the earth burdened by men, the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, Helen's birth to Nemesis, Castor and Polydeuces, and Alexandrus carrying Helen to Ilium.
Epic Cycle, Summaries and Fragments 8.1–8Sack of IliumProclus' summary tells how the Trojans debated what to do with the wooden horse, some wishing to hurl it from the rocks, some to burn it and some to dedicate it to Athena. The fragments say that one Palladium was given to Dardanus, that Astyanax was hurled from the wall, and that Agamemnon gave gifts to the sons of Theseus. One fragment describes the gifts of the Earth-Shaker to Machaon and Podaleirius.

Theseus in the ancient sources

Hesiod (1)

Apollodorus (6)

Sophocles (17)

Euripides (39)

Apollonius Rhodius (1)

Callimachus (1)

Diodorus Siculus (5)

Ovid (7)

Pausanias (31)

Quintus Smyrnaeus (2)

Nonnus of Panopolis (3)

Bacchylides (2)

Epic Cycle (2)