What creature is known for having the head of a bull and the body of a man?

The Minotaur is a creature from Greek mythology that is famously depicted as having the head of a bull and the body of a man. According to the myth, the Minotaur was born from the union of Pasiphaë, the wife of King Minos of Crete, and a majestic bull, which had been sent to Minos by Poseidon. As a result of this unnatural birth, the Minotaur was trapped in the labyrinth designed by Daedalus, a complex maze from which no one could escape.

The significance of the Minotaur also extends to themes of human versus beast and the consequences of unchecked desires, tying into the broader narratives of Greek mythology where monsters often serve as both adversaries and reflections of human flaws.

In contrast, the Cyclops is known for being a one-eyed giant; the Chimera is a fire-breathing creature comprising parts from multiple animals; and the Sphinx is often characterized as having a lion's body, human head, and wings. Each of these creatures has its own distinct mythological stories and characteristics, differing significantly from the Minotaur's unique form and origins.