Who did Theseus abandon on the island of Naxos?

Explore the Certamen Mythology Exam. Prepare with tailored flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get ready to master your test material!

The correct answer is Ariadne. In Greek mythology, Theseus, the hero of Athens, fell in love with Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos of Crete, while he was in the labyrinth to confront the Minotaur. After successfully defeating the Minotaur with the help of a thread given to him by Ariadne, Theseus intended to escape Crete with her. They fled together, but during their journey back to Athens, Theseus abandoned her on the island of Naxos.

The tale of Theseus and Ariadne is often depicted as a tragic love story, highlighting themes of love, betrayal, and abandonment. Ariadne was left on Naxos, where she was later found by the god Dionysus, who took her as his wife. This abandonment has led to various interpretations and artistic representations throughout history, emphasizing Theseus's character as both a hero and a flawed individual.

The other individuals mentioned—Demeter, Juno, and Atalanta—are not connected to the story of Theseus in the same way. Demeter is associated with agriculture and motherhood, Juno is a major goddess in Roman mythology often linked to marriage, and Atalanta is known for her role as a

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy