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Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa
Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa

Chapter XXXI

Chapter 31, section 1: Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he wou
Context Illustration Reading 1/16 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.
When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.
According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.
Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.
This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Perseus and the Gorgon Medusa

Chapter XXXI

Reading 1/16 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.
Line 2
When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.
Line 3
According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.
Line 4
Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.
Line 5
This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

theseus noun US /ˈθiːziːəs/

(Greek mythology) a hero and king of Athens who was noted for his many great deeds: killed Procrustes and the Minotaur and defeated the Amazons and united Attica

From this reading “Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.”

Collocations
Theseus PartA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
Part IIA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
All words in this reading · 120

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

According

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

always

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

announced

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

any

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

befell

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

black

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

bodynounUS /body/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

brass

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

burnt

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

business

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

change

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

chosen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

cinders

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

coast

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

country

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

Crete

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

custom

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

effective

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

embrace

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

end

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

father

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

giant

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

go

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

guardian

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

heard

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

held

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

hoisted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

home

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

hot

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

human

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

II

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

intention

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

island

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

joined

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

kept

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

king

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

labyrinth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

lives

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

longer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

lot

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

made

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

maidens

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

Minotaur

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

monster

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

NothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

off

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

offer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

ones

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

only

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

PartnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

persuade

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

promised

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

reached

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

red

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

remain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

returnednounUS /ˈreturned/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

sacrifice

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

sailnounUS /sail/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

sails

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

set

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

shipnounUS /ship/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

slain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

slaying

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

sought

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

stoppednounUS /stopped/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

story

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

strangers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

Talus

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

terriblenounUS /ˈterrible/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

TheseusnounUS /ˈθiːziːəs/

(Greek mythology) a hero and king of Athens who was noted for his many great deeds: killed Procrustes and the Minotaur and defeated the Amazons and united Attica

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

tribute

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

unharmed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

very

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This giant was a very effective guardian of the island, and kept off all strangers who had no business along that coast.

victim

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

victims

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

voyagers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

white

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading According to the custom, the ship hoisted only black sails, which Theseus promised to change for white ones when he returned unharmed, having slain the monster.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading Nothing befell the voyagers until they reached the coast of Crete, but here the ship was stopped by the giant Talus, whose body was made of brass and was always so red hot that if he held any one in his embrace, the victim was burnt to cinders.

wonderfulnounUS /ˈwonderful/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

yearly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Theseus Part II When Theseus heard the story of the Minotaur and its wonderful labyrinth, he determined that it should no longer exact its yearly tribute of human lives, for he would offer himself as one of the victims and end the terrible sacrifice by slaying the monster.

youths

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When he announced this intention to his father, the king sought to persuade him to remain at home; but Theseus joined the youths and maidens who had been chosen by lot to go to Crete, and they set sail for the country of the Minotaur.