The scientific origins of the Minotaur - Matt Kaplan

The myth of the Minotaur tells the story of an enraged beast forever wandering the corridors of a damp labyrinth, filled with a rage so intense that its deafening roar shakes the earth. But is this story just fiction, or an attempt of our early ancestors to make sense of the natural world? Matt Kaplan examines the myth for its scientific roots.

Lesson by Matt Kaplan, animation by Artrake Studio.

[countvladislausdragulia]

Lemme get this straight: There used to be a natural phenomenon called ‘The Minotaur’s Roar’, and we changed its name to *Earthquake* ?

[HansenSWE]

Ah, the feeling of finally finishing the royal harbor and suddenly the entire island raises 30 feet.

[neonmarkov]

Loved the "Daedalus HB" pencil

[StevenTorrey]

The Minotaur was also expected to feed on 7 male and 7 female children.  When death (especially death of children) was so common, a story to explain that death would be helpful to the surviving parents, siblings, relatives.

[AfroPuffe]

Narrator: "Mine-oh-tar"

Me: *offended*

[brunofranco]

Actually, this is only a part of mythology's area of reach. There were other subjects involved as well, such as political propaganda from athenians against cretans wich might have influneced the imagery of the minotaur. Also, the minoans worshiped bulls and had maze-like patterns in their cities, there's even a partially man-made labyrinth below Gortyn. Why isnt any of this mentioned in this video? It feels like its not taking into account the whole picture.

[miacrapnell]

Fun fact: I once did a science project on ‘the science behind mythological beasts’
Fun fact: we didn’t win
I’m still salty

[c.lstrife]

As a Hawaiian myself, I would like to point out that Hawaii is actually under a "hotspot" which causes our earthquakes, much different than the Crete's ones. These hotspots are created deeper into the planets core and since there's no or thin tectonic plate, they create small underwater volcanoes before they break the surface.

[dave]

And that's what makes mythology so awesome! It shows the ingenious imagination of these cultures in coming up with explanations of natural phenomena.

[ba.nguyen]

Teacher: Today we're going to learn about Greek Mytholo--



Percy Jackson fans: *graduates college*

[Your_local-geography-enjoyer]

I just realised a really cool hidden detail! the pencil at 1:06 (pause it) says Daedalus on it. Daedalus is the one who made it possible for the breeding to happen. he was an amazing inventor in Greece.

[gsom]

I heard another explanation for this myth. Greek culture glorified human beauty, that can be seen on statues, but there was few of people that weren't beautiful. They had physically defects and that they were hidden from other people, that were disgusted seen them

[SomewhatDapperExtraterrestrial]

Me: "Just one short video, then i'll do my homework."

Two hours later:

[TunjungUtomo]

here in Indonesia, home of some of the largest earthquakes and volcanic eruptions ever recorded of the last 400 years, we've also got so many folklore regarding these natural phenomenon, one of the most widely documented and get told to children is the legend of Antaboga and Basuki Dragons of Hindu- Javanese mythology

[acrossearth]

I do like Greek and roman mythology, I do believe that the myths are surprisingly unique. A divine place that you go to when you die, not only does not keep you there, but is simply a "waiting room, " for you to be reborn. Very different from the religious beliefs today.

[Alon_Jak]

I guess they chose the minotaur as the beast who causes destruction because the greeks in that time lived a long with bulls, in the farms, in the castles, in the markets. and the bulls are very big and strong, they can be sometimes unpredictable, so it can cause a roots of fear in them from this large animal. it was sometimes even dangerous and im sure there was sometimes attacks by the bull going on while the greeks lived next to them on daily bases. the only way that people had advantage and can tame the bulls its their intelligence. and a strong bull mixed with a human is a terrifying idea for them because the Minotaur has the human intelligence next to his strengh.

[youreallinsane]

I like how I learned a bit about Moana in this. Secret bonus.

[V_Ultrakill]

I’m pretty sure Minos caused the earthquakes with his Judgement! Dropkick of death

[nghiatrung]

“PREPARE THYSELF”-King Minos from ultrakill

[williamli]

You should do more on other Greek myths!