Gods,Heroes,Myths Greek Mythology Homer's epics,Expeditions

The king who lived three generations before the Trojan War was Minos, who ruled Crete. He was the son of Zeus and Europa and had two brothers, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon.

Minos grew up under the protection of the king of Crete, Asterion, who had married his mother and adopted her children. Later, Minos succeeded Asterion on the throne of Crete.

Poseidon, showing his favor, sent Minos a beautiful bull to sacrifice in his honor. However, Minos felt sorrow for the beautiful animal and decided not to sacrifice it. This provoked Poseidon's anger, and he filled the animal with a frenzy that caused great destruction on the island until Heracles defeated it.

Minos was married to Pasiphae, and together they had many children, such as Glaucus, Deucalion, Androgeus, Phaedra, and Ariadne. He was reputed to be a wise man and was known for his justice. According to myth, Minos formulated laws that contributed to the civilization of Crete. It is also said that he received these laws directly from Zeus every nine years on Mount Ida in Crete.

Minos' power was immense. He extended his influence over many islands in the Aegean, which came under his dominion. Even Athens was under his influence. He imposed an annual tribute on the Athenians of seven young men and seven young women, who were sent to be food for the Minotaur. This was to avenge the death of his son, Androgeus, who had been killed in Athens. Minos also captured the city of Megara.

Later, during his search for Daedalus, he reached Sicily, where he was hosted by King Cocalus. There, Daedalus tricked Cocalus' daughters into a trap and used them to drown Minos in a bath.

In the underworld, Minos became one of the judges of the dead, along with his brother Rhadamanthys and Aeacus.