Greek Mythology
Naxos — Greek Mythology
Naxos is an island in the Aegean Sea in Greek mythology, and in the voyage of Theseus from Crete back to Athens it becomes the turning point in Ariadne's fate. Its importance comes chiefly from Ariadne being left on the island and from the later traditions linking her with Dionysus.
Overview
Naxos lies along the sea route taken by Theseus from Crete to Athens. In the stories it is presented as an island where ships can land, with rocky shores, beaches, hillsides, and wild grass.
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Role in Greek mythology
In the Theseus cycle, Naxos is not the labyrinth, a palace, or a battlefield, but a maritime stopping place after the events in Crete. After Theseus kills the Minotaur and leaves with Ariadne and the Athenian youths and maidens, the fleet stops there; Ariadne then does not continue on to Athens with the ships.
The traditions attached to this place are not entirely consistent. In the common version, Theseus leaves Ariadne on Naxos; other accounts emphasize divine intervention, and another tradition says that Dionysus later marries her. Naxos therefore marks Ariadne's transition from Cretan princess into the mythic circle of Dionysus.
Geographic background
In the related stories, Naxos is placed on the sea journey between Crete and Athens. After Theseus and his companions leave Crete, they reach the island on the way; when the ship sails again, Ariadne remains ashore, while Theseus continues back to Athens with the rescued Athenian youths and maidens.
The island setting is described only briefly, mainly through its shore, rocks, beach, hillside, and sea wind. These details support the scene in which Ariadne is left on the coast as the ship departs, rather than offering a systematic account of the island's boundaries or real-world geography.
Related stories
Theseus and the Minotaur mentions this place: after leaving Crete, Theseus stops near Naxos, and Ariadne does not return with him to Athens.
Ariadne and Theseus mentions this place: Ariadne is left on the shore of Naxos, followed by the tradition that Dionysus marries her.
Theseus Becomes King mentions this place: on his return voyage Theseus stops at Naxos, where Ariadne leaves his journey; this also leads into the later episode in which he forgets to change the sails and Aegeus mistakenly believes his son is dead.