Excerpts from Fabulae

These excerpts come with a prefatory note signed 'A.', inviting the reader to try their hand: the Latin is straightforward and the tales engaging — though they might cause nightmares.

The passages include Theseus among the Minotaur: after reaching Crete, Theseus was so loved by Ariadne, daughter of Minos, that she betrayed her brother to save the stranger, showing Theseus the labyrinth's exit; once inside he slew the Minotaur and, rewinding the thread on Ariadne's advice, walked out again — then carried her off to marry her, as he had promised. Also included is Cassandra, daughter of Priam and Hecuba, who fell asleep playing in Apollo's temple; when she refused the god's advances, Apollo decreed that though she would prophesy truly, no one would believe her.