The secret to how to answer What are your weaknesses? lies in honesty, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to improve. Theseus's Weaknesses: May have been a bit deceptive with Ariadne. The myth of Theseus inspired Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games trilogy (20082010). He took the place of one of the youths and set off with a black sail, promising to his father, Aegeus, that if successful he would return with a white sail. After all, mythology is storytelling at its finest. What are your weaknesses? sounds like a question about your character but it doesnt have to be. After an extended leave of absence, reentering the workforce can be scary. Plutarch, Life of Theseus 15.1, quoting a lost tragedy by Euripides. 406 BCE), welcoming the dying Oedipus into Athens and guaranteeing his burial. Theseus's Strengths: Brave, strong, clever, good with disguise. The Amazons then attacked Athens in an attempt to get Antiope back. 73 terms. One of the most important examples is the Theseid, a sixth-century BCE Athenian epic that recounted Theseus exploits in detail. The Greek Myths. Discussing your weaknesses is something of a balancing act: you want to appear self-aware, but you dont want to sell yourself short. They like the biggest weakness interview question because your answer says a lot about your work values. Theseus was the son of Aethra, the daughter of King Pittheus of Troezen, and either Aegeus or Poseidon. Though a great hero, Theseus life was not without its disappointments and grief. Detail of the Aison cup showing Theseus slaying the Minotaur in the presence of Athena (c. 435415 BC). According to other versions, Aethra had also been seduced by the god Poseidon, and it was he who was Theseus father. Aegeus gave him hospitality but was suspicious of the young, powerful stranger's intentions. You can avoid unflattering answers by focusing on weaknesses that show: Theres no template for crafting your response, but the following examples are strong building blocks that show our tips in action. The reason Theseus went to Crete could have been more for the reason to get fame than to help Athens. On his arrival in Crete, Ariadne, King Minos' daughter, fell in love with Theseus and, on the advice of Daedalus, gave him a ball of thread (a clew), so he could find his way out of the Labyrinth. Heracles asked permission from Hades to Continue Reading 3 More answers below Theyll also ask you about your weaknesses. Origin. Managers want to work with people they can trust, so dont lie about your weaknesses during your job search. You have a natural sense of compassion ( you don't want to hurt a colleague's feelings), which makes you a more effective communicator. Not many heroes are best known for their use of silk thread to escape a crisis, but it is true of Theseus. Will you lose your job in a recession? Theseus welcomed the wandering Oedipus and helped Adrastus to bury the Seven against Thebes. Seneca Falls Convention. A character trait can work in some areas and not in others. When Theseus returned victorious to Athens, where he sacrificed the Bull, Medea tried to poison him. Its normal to have slow or unproductive days at work. A middle-of-the-road approach to reflecting on your work demonstrates your ability to accept criticism while not allowing it to disrupt your confidence and productivity. The eldest of these, Androgeus, set sail for Athens to take part in the Panathenaic Games, which were held there every four years. Myths / Heroes / Heracles. Ive since added more structure to my day and installed a hard cut-off hour when Im done with work. I never want to hurt anyones feelings. Strabo, Geography: An important 1st-century BCE resource for many local Greek myths and customs. How did he get out of trouble? Theseus killed Sinis using this same method. The beast awoke and a tremendous fight occurred. When he reaches Athens, he finds that Aegeus is married to Medea (formerly wife of Jason), who plots against him. If a building crumbles in a storm, it's probably because of a weakness a flaw or defect in its structure. I can feel timid when providing feedback to others. With these 13 ways to improve your work performance, you can speed through tasks and get more done. Aegeus then slept with Pittheus daughter Aethra. Lycomedes of the island of Skyros threw Theseus off a cliff after he had lost popularity in Athens. (Plutarch, Life of Theseus). You're able to approach people with kindness and tact two vital soft skills in a leader. Of course, the theme of betrayal gets flipped on its head when Phaedra betrays Theseus by passing love notes to his son, Hippolytus. Heres what interviewers look for in a response: Your response should address these three components. few sentences explaining why the Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth. Morford, Mark P. O., Robert J. Lenardon, and Michael Sham. Instead of travelling to Athens by sea, Theseus decided to make a name for himself by taking the more dangerous overland route through the Greek Isthmus. Finally, Theseus defeated Procrustes (sometimes called Damastes), who had two beds that he would offer to travellers. Through Aegeus, Theseus lineage can be traced back to Erechtheus (sometimes called Erichthonius), the son of Hephaestus and the first king of Athens. Its tempting to spin your weaknesses as your greatest strengths and vice versa. In many of these adventures, Theseus was accompanied by his best friend Pirithous, the king of the Lapiths of northern Greece. According to some traditions, Theseus actually volunteered to go to Crete, vowing that he would kill the Minotaur and bring an end to the terrible tribute once and for all. He made them fit his bed with a hammer or saw. On his way to Athens, Theseus cleared the Isthmus in what are sometimes called the Six Labors of Theseus: At Epidaurus, Theseus met Periphetes, famous for slaughtering travellers with a giant club. But the specific way you struggled, the impact that had, and your current approach will be what sets your answer apart. Minos asked Aegeus for his son's assassins, saying that if they were to be handed to him, the city would be spared. Hades put him in his chair of forgetfulness, where his mind would go blank and they could not move. Theseus was the son of either Aegeus, king of Athens, or the sea god Poseidon. Arcite. How did he get out of trouble? If the traveller was too tall to fit in the bed, Procrustes would cut off their limbs; if they were too short, he would stretch them until they fit. Theseus next killed the monstrous Crommyonian Sow (sometimes called Phaea),[3] an enormous pig that terrorized travellers. Bandits. Ovid, Heroides 4.11720; Hyginus, Fabulae 241. Theseus. London: Spottiswoode and Company, 1873. "Plutarch's Ariadne in Chariton's Chaereas and Callirhoe.". Its important they know you can take care of yourself. In her honor, Theseus gave her name to one of the demes of Attica, making its inhabitants in a sense her adopted children. Demonstrate to the hiring manager that you can analyze yourself and your skills. Alternatively, in Euripides' version, Hippolytus, Phaedra's nurse told Hippolytus of her mistress's love and he swore he would not reveal the nurse as his source of information. Phaedra bore Theseus two children, Acamas and Demophon. Famously killing villains, Amazons, and centaurs, his most celebrated adventure was his slaying of the fearsome Minotaur of the Cretan king Minos. Whether distracted by the loss of Ariadne or for some other reason, Theseus forgot to raise the white flag as he came back to Athens. Smith, William. But statements like Im a perfectionist and Sometimes I work too hard are clich at best and disingenuous at worst. 8 CE). They also fail to convey a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. How Many Devotees Go On A Pilgrimage To Canterbury? For example: "I'm always trying to be a better leader. Theseus Facts and Information on the Greek Hero Theseus Diseases of the neuromuscular system, injuries, metabolic diseases, and toxins can all cause of measurable muscle weakness. Before leaving, however, he buried his sandals and sword under a huge rock[iii] and told Aethra that when their son grew up, he should move the rock, if he were heroic enough, and take the tokens for himself as evidence of his royal parentage. How did it get him into trouble with Hades? Kapach, Avi. Theseus realized that this particular giant was . In the end, he was rescued by Heracles who had come to the underworld for his 12th task. On his way back to Athens, Aegeus stopped at Troezen, where he was entertained by King Pittheus. DE | Too blunt. But Aegeus recognized Theseus by the sword he was carrying (the sword he had left with Aethra at Troezen) and stopped him from drinking the poison. Theseus also plays an important role in Euripides Suppliants (ca. But, in my previous role, I realized constructive feedback can help others improve themselves so long as I approach them with kindness and empathy. See how innovative companies use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce. These and some other versions are listed by Plutarch (Life of Theseus 20.15). Theseus's Strengths: Brave, strong, clever, good with disguise. Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce. What Are Theseus Strengths And Weaknesses? But Theseus was raised by his mother, Aethra, in the Peloponnesian city of Troezen. Forgetful. Mary Renaults critically acclaimed The King Must Die (1958) is a historicized retelling of Theseus early life and his battle with the Minotaur; its sequel, The Bull from the Sea (1962), deals with Theseus later career. The name Theseus was likely derived from the Greek word (thesmos), which means institution. Theseus name thus reflects his mythical role as a founder or reformer of the Athenian government. Choose the best answer for the question below. "The ship wherein Theseus and the youth of Athens returned had thirty oars, and was preserved by the Athenians down even to the time of Demetrius Phalereus,[vii] for they took away the old planks as they decayed, putting in new and stronger timber in their place"[9], The ship had to be maintained in a seaworthy state, for, in return for Theseus's successful mission, the Athenians had pledged to honor Apollo every year henceforth. Potato chips are my greatest weakness is less endearing than you think. But Theseus, using a ball of magic thread from the princess Ariadne, found his way in and out of the labyrinth and killed the beast. [i], Plutarch's avowed purpose is to construct a life that parallels the Life of Romulus, the founding myth of Rome. None of the tributes who were sent into the Labyrinth ever made it out. We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion. In 475 BCE, the Athenians claimed to have identified the remains of Theseus on Scyrus and brought them back to be reinterred in Athens. King of Athens; buries sword and shoes under rock for his son, Theseus, to uncover when he's old and strong enough. He then goes on to unite Attica under Athenian rule: the synoikismos ('dwelling together'). It was the offspring of Pasiphae, the wife of Minos, and a snow-white bull sent to Minos by the god Poseidon for sacrifice. Theseus weakness was that he liked danger. Theseus weakness was that he liked danger. When Theseus returned to Athens, he found that the Dioscuri had taken Helen and Aethra to Sparta. The Birth of the Minotaur Born part man and part bull, the Minotaur was ultimately the result of Minos' hubris, Poseidon's anger, and Pasiphae's lust.. Poseidon and Minos The story of the Minotaur begins with the death of Asterius (or Asterion), the sacred king of Crete.Since he was childless from his marriage with Europa, Minos - one of Europa's children with Zeus and a stepson of . If youre applying for a position that requires you to collaborate with others, demonstrate your capacity to be a team player while maintaining high standards for your work. Type of Villain Theseus to Kratos. In some versions of the myth, the Amazons laid waste to the countryside of Attica and only left after Antiope was accidentally killed in battle.[9]. What were Theseus weaknesses? G. the establishment of a state religion. Informed of the plan by a herald named Leos, he crept out of the city at midnight and surprised the Pallantides. Hades put him in his chair of forgetfulness, where his mind would go blank and they could not move. [18], In yet another version, Phaedra simply told Theseus Hippolytus had raped her and did not kill herself. He is a loyal guardian toward the Sisters of Fate. The myths of Theseus are treated in Book 3 of the Library and in the beginning of the Epitome. In his iconography, Theseus is usually depicted as a handsome, strong, and beardless young hero. When Theseus leaves Ariadne, she becomes fueled with anger and loneliness, which causes her to easily fall in love with Dionysus, mending the broken heart she had because of Theseus. Theseus's Parents: King Aegeus of Athens and Princess Aethra; however, on their wedding night, Princess Aethra wandered over to a nearby island and lay with Poseidon. Theseus managed to outwit each man using his training and his intelligence, and he continued safely onto Athens where he met his father, King Aegeus. Dont take the question seriously enough to answer it appropriately, Want to deflect because youre hiding something. Franais, EN | Imagine that you are a reporter in Hippolytus of Athens - Wikipedia When responding to What are your weaknesses? best answers include: I can sometimes be impatient when working with others. Theseus weakness was that he liked danger. However, not knowing who the assassins were, King Aegeus surrendered the whole city to Minos' mercy. Mythology Summary and Analysis of Theseus. She was also the sister of Clytemnestra, who married Agamemnon. Theseus tried to help his friend kidnap the queen of the underworld and was trapped there for a long time due to his hubris. But in my last role, I had no choice but to share my responsibilities multitasking wasnt an option. [ii] After Aethra became pregnant, Aegeus decided to return to Athens. What was Theseus weakness? In another version, King Minos had waged war with the Athenians and was successful. Weakness Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Euripides: Euripides Hippolytus (428 BCE) tells the story of Phaedras illicit passion for Hippolytus and Hippolytus subsequent death. Theseus. Mythopedia, 29 Nov. 2022. https://mythopedia.com/topics/theseus. Heres what you need to know. On their journey back to Athens, Theseus stopped at the island of Naxos. What was Theseus weakness? Unfortunately, this poem only survives in fragments. Recruiters want to know why you want the job and why youre leaving your current role. After decapitating the beast, Theseus used the string to escape the Labyrinth and managed to escape with all of the young Athenians and Ariadne as well as her younger sister Phaedra. In most versions of the story, the god Apollo is said to have guided the arrow into his vulnerable spot, his heel. Minotaur - World History Encyclopedia Theseus helped battle these at Pirithous' wedding. Weakness definition, the state or quality of being weak; lack of strength, firmness, vigor, or the like; feebleness. In later times, some Athenians even traced the origins of democratic government to Theseus rule, even though Theseus was a king. They believed that Theseus had been an actual, historical figure and the ship gave them a tangible connection to their divine provenance. Theseus has had a rich afterlife in modern popular culture. 6. The fifth-century BCE poet Bacchylides tells a story of how Theseus proved that he was the son of Poseidon by diving into the sea and retrieving a ring that had been tossed into it by King Minos (Bacchylides, Ode 17). But, no matter how comfortable you feel, avoid answering the weaknesses question with a joke. Cueva, Edmund P. (1996). Creon. Catullus: Catullus Poem 64 (mid-first century BCE) includes a highly elegiac account of Theseus abandonment of Ariadne on the deserted island of Naxos. Heres how you can overcome a setback and find future success. What Is The Contest Suggested By Penelope To Choose A Husband? Here are 10 examples of the best weaknesses to mention in a job interview: 1. Write a word with a prefix that could replace the word or words in italics. Helen of Troy | Legend, Family, & Worship | Britannica In the debate over the ratification of the Constitution, the Anti-Federalists most feared. Example answer when your weakness is "delegation". Eventually, however, Phaedra fell in love with Hippolytus, the son of Theseus first wife, Antiope. The myth of Theseus and Antiope is also reimagined in Steven Pressfields novel Last of the Amazons (2002). Theseus also had a weakness for women, to whom he was not always loyal. London: Penguin, 1955. Aristotle, Constitution of the Athenians 15.4; Diodorus of Sicily, Library of History 4.62.4; Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.17.6. His mother then told him the truth about his father's identity and that he must take the sword and sandals back to the king Aegeus to claim his birthright. How do you spin a weakness into a strength? UK | For her help, Theseus promised to marry her. 5. Theseus took part in several other adventures. What were Theseus weaknesses ?, Theseus was the ruler of what ?, Theseus allowed whose release from jail?, What solution to the Knight problem did Theseus? Theseus became King of Athens after his fathers death. Deutsch | Theseus, as usual, used his opponents method against him and threw Sciron off a cliff. Girls who were about to be married offered locks of their hair to him. I tend to be less efficient when my desk is messy or cluttered, so Ive learned to set aside time every week to clean my digital and physical space. Theseus weakness was that he liked danger. Weakness may be generalized or may affect one muscle or muscle group exclusively. [12] When Theseus returned to Athens, he found that Helen was gone and that his mother had become her slave in Sparta. Theseus's Weaknesses: May have been a bit deceptive with Ariadne. That he liked Danger . One band of them would march on the town from one side while another lay in wait near a place called Gargettus in ambush. 2 vols. Medea was not the only threat to Theseus standing in Athens. He tried to rise but could not. Drive productivity through sustained well-being and mental health for all employees with BetterUp Care. This has helped my energy levels and made me more detail-oriented.. Signs and symptoms of weakness can include trouble doing daily tasks, such as grooming or writing or problems with gait and loss of balance. Aegeus, who was the king of Athens, had no children and therefore no heir to his throne. Poseidon, unfortunately, heard Theseus prayer and sent a bull from the sea to charge Hippolytus as he was riding his chariot near the coast. Theseus overpowered the Minotaur with his strength and stabbed the beast in the throat with his sword (according to one scholium on Pindar's Fifth Nemean Ode, Theseus strangled it).[8]. Neils, Jenifer. 1848 writing an article about the He was fixed to the rock. Perseus Digital Library. Take a hard look at your skills and past experiences. After the death of Antiope, Theseus married Phaedra, the daughter of the Cretan king Minos and thus the sister of his former lover Ariadne. Where Does The Canterbury Tales Take Place? The numerous heroic deeds ascribed to him were seen by the ancient Athenians as the acts that led to the birth of democracy in the Attic city-state, the cradle of Greek democracy. In other versions, Theseus tried to abandon Antiope so that he could marry Phaedra, a princess from Crete; when the jilted Antiope tried to stop the wedding, Theseus killed her himself. With Phaedra, Theseus fathered Acamas, who was one of those who hid in the Trojan Horse during the Trojan War. Pausanias, Life of Theseus 13. The fourth and tenth letters of Ovids epistolary Heroides are also addressed to Theseus: in Heroides 4, Phaedra confesses her infatuation with Theseus son Hippolytus, and in Heroides 10, Ariadne reproaches Theseus for deserting her on Naxos. Thankfully, you dont have to. In the end, he was rescued by Heracles who had come to the underworld for his 12th task. But it doesnt have to be. Theseus volunteers to fight Prince Theseus said that he was going to go with them and kill the Minotaur, to save these children and all the ones who might be sent in the future. I can have a hard time staying organized, although not to the point where it affects my performance. People appreciate my honesty. Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. The Minotaur was imprisoned in the Labyrinth, a giant maze built by the Athenian architect Daedalus. Aegeus's consort Medea recognized Theseus immediately as Aegeus' son and worried that Theseus would be chosen as heir to Aegeus' kingdom instead of her son Medus. Who Won The Storytelling Contest In The Canterbury Tales? What response does Arcite get while on the Temple Of Mars? Thereupon the party with Pallas dispersed," Plutarch reported.[7]. Near Megara, Theseus met the robber Sciron, who would throw his victims off a cliff. [17] Upon hearing the news of Hippolytus' death at the hands of Neptune's sea monster, Phaedra died by suicide out of guilt, for she had not intended for Hippolytus to die. 3rd century CE). Kernyi, Kroly. Theseus was by far the most famous and important of the mythical kings of Athens. [Last Chance] Hear from industry leaders bringing you cutting-edge insights to transform your workforce. Weakness Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders. Why Is The Group Traveling To Canterbury? However, Theseus was not fooled. [vi] That night, Ariadne escorted Theseus to the Labyrinth, and Theseus promised that if he returned from the Labyrinth he would take Ariadne with him. Theseus, a great abductor of women, and his bosom companion, Pirithous, since they were sons of Zeus and Poseidon, pledged themselves to marry daughters of Zeus. The curse caused Hippolytus' horses to be frightened by a sea monster, usually a bull, and drag their rider to his death. Homer: Theseus is named among the dead Greek heroes in the Underworld in Book 11 of the Odyssey (eighth century BCE). Desiring an heir, he asked the Oracle of Delphi for advice. In any case, Theseus arrived at Athens without Ariadne.[7]. Their queens were said to be the daughters of the war god Ares. London: Thames and Hudson, 1974. A good weakness for job interviews shows introspection and growth, without interfering with your capacity to be a great addition to the company. Joseph is to Potiphar's wife as Hippolytus is to: Phaedra wrote a letter to Theseus accusing Hippolytus of this? Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Read this student essay written about Greek mythology. Due to the Minotaur's monstrous form, King Minos ordered the craftsman, Daedalus, and his son, Icarus, to build a huge maze known as . 10 Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews As he turned to cry out to his friend, he saw that Pirithous too was crying out.