Week 2 - blog post #2

                In the story The House of Asterion, Jorge Luis Borges aims to show the reader the classic myth of the Minotaur trapped within the Cretan Labyrinth from a different perspective. The Minotaur (Asterion) is usually thought of as a savage beast who was placed within the labyrinth as a protective measure. However, in Borges’ telling of the classic story, we see a very human side of the Minotaur. Asterion recognizes that he is not a prisoner within the labyrinth for “there are no locked doors [and] . . . no locks” but stays within the labyrinth because the general population is afraid of him. Asterion says, “I cannot be confused with the populace, though my modesty might so desire. The fact is that I am unique”.

In an effort to alleviate his boredom and pass the time, Asterion plays many games including pretending he is being followed, running around until he collapses from dizziness, and taking the “other Asterion” (an imaginary friend) on a tour of his endless house. Despite playing these games and others to pass the time, Asterion still yearns for his redeemer to come and end his loneliness. The story concludes with Asterion falling to Theseus’ sword without fighting back, suggesting that Asterion readily welcomed his redemption (achieved through death).