The King Must Die; The Bull from the Sea: Introduction by Daniel Mendelsohn

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In her inventive novels set in ancient Greece, Mary Renault crafts a compelling narrative from the myth of Theseus, creating a flawed hero and a plausible account of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. The story follows young Theseus from his mysterious birth and insecurities about his size to his growing strength and belief in his destiny. As a teenager, he embarks on a journey to meet his father, the King of Athens, but faces unexpected challenges, including a forced stay in the matriarchal society of Eleusis and his participation in a tribute of Athenian youths sent to be sacrificed to a bull-worshipping cult in Crete. Trapped in King Minos's labyrinthine palace, Theseus teams up with high priestess Ariadne to devise a daring escape plan for the Athenians. The sequel begins with Theseus's return to Athens, where he discovers his father's death and his new role as king. However, his confidence in his destiny is tested by future encounters, including a life-altering meeting with Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, the birth of a son who seeks his own path, and the tragic consequences of his wife Phaedra's betrayal. Renault combines her deep understanding of ancient Greek culture with imaginative speculation, bringing legendary heroes and monsters to life.