Classical Mythology

(^556) THE GREEK SAGAS: GREEK LOCAL LEGENDS
The Labors of Theseus. Attic red-figure kylix, ca. 475 B.C.; height of kylix 5 in.; diameter
123 /4 in. The cycle of Theseus' labors was often painted on Athenian vases, especially
drinking cups (kylikes), in the fifth century. This cup is unusual in that the cycle is painted
(almost identically, except for the Minotaur) on both the exterior and interior. The inte-
rior, with the Minotaur at the center, is shown here. Starting at the top and going in a
clockwise direction the labors are: (1) Cercyon; (2) Procrustes; (3) Sciron (note the turtle);
(4) the Bull of Marathon; (5) Sinis (Pityocamptes); (6) the Sow of Crommyon. At the cen-
ter Theseus drags the dying Minotaur out of the Labyrinth to dispatch him with his sword.
Periphetes does not appear, since this labor does not enter the cycle until after 475 B.c.
(British Museum, London. Reproduced by permission of the Trustees.)
go to pass the cliffs and compelled all comers to stoop and wash his feet. He
would then kick his victims into the sea, where a gigantic turtle ate them up.
Theseus killed him by his own methods.
Drawing closer to Athens, Theseus met Cercyon at Eleusis. Like Sciron, Cer-
cyon was also originally a local hero. He compelled travelers to wrestle with
him to the death. Theseus defeated him in wrestling, held him high in the air,
and then dashed him to his death upon the ground.