The Greek Myths Part 1: Myth as Fiction, History and Ritual

Duration: 12:00

Year Published: 1980

Creator: ?Encyclopedia Britannica ebec

Complete Record: Some animation, some narration over footage of Greek statues. Mostly scene reenactments. Stories of Theseus and the Minotaur, Persephone and Orpheus, etc. Campy fight scene with Minotaur and Theseus. The Minotaur: Slow pan of the inside of a brick walled cave/tomb. The camera follows a guide rope, which eventually disappears into the darkness. A lit torch illuminates the tomb, casting light on human remains. A human skeleton lies exposed on the dirt floor. Reenactment: Theseus, bear chested, carrying a torch and some twine (so as not to get lost), walks though the labyrinth constructed for King Minos of Crete by Daedalus and his son Icarus to hold the Minotaur. Theseus happens upon the remains of either another “hero” or one of the virgins King Minos fed to the beast to keep him happy. Theseus finds another skeleton, but seems unfazed. Finally Theseus comes to an anterior chamber in the labyrinth (the center) which is well let with braziers at regular intervals. At the end of the chamber is a throne. The camera zooms in on the figure seated upon the throne; the Minotaur. The Minotaur spots Theseus, who unsheathes his sword and prepares to fight. The Minotaur stands, and advances on Theseus. Theseus and the Minotaur circle one another, looking for their chance to end the other’s life. They lunge, grappling onto each other, but the Minotaur strength quickly overtakes Theseus. The Minotaur flings Theseus across the room. Theseus hits the wall, dazed. There are a few quick cuts back and forth between Theseus swaying against the wall, and a skeleton lying on the chamber floor. The Minotaur runs in for the kill, but Theseus manages to get out of the way just in time. Theseus comes back, and gives a fist to the back of the Minotaur head. Theseus hits the Minotaur over and over again, beating him to the ground. Theseus then runs over to the pile of bones and retrieves his sword, and runs the Minotaur though until dead. Dissolve back to the rope leading the way out of the labyrinth.