Theseus is the son of Aethra and either Aegeus or Poseidon. Aegeus leaves Aethra in Troezen with a pair of sandals and a sword that are trapped under a rock. If Theseus can lift the rock and claim the sandals and sword before he reaches manhood, he is to wear the sandals and bring the sword to Athens so that Aegeus will know him. Theseus accomplishes this task and is told to go to Athens by sea, but he chooses to go by land so that he can make a reputation for himself. Theseus does this because he knows that part of being a hero is accomplishing tasks beyond the limits of human capability. He cannot do this at sea as easily as he will be able to on land.

By traveling across land to Athens, he faces many challenges that he overcomes to prove himself worthy of a position in his father’s court. He overcomes the brutal bandit Periphetes, outwits Sciron, and earns the respect of the Amazons. By accomplishing these three tasks, Theseus proves his physical strength, his mental prowess, and his charismatic and political abilities. He shows himself worthy in all of these areas, earning a reputation that precedes his arrival to the city.