From the beginning of his life, Theseus senses that he is special. He does not question the possibility that he is Poseidon’s son but rather seeks proof of what he believes to be true. Theseus realizes at a very young age the price that must be paid to be a king. The fate of a king is not unknown; it is preordained. Theseus recognizes that moira is the finished shape of his fate because there is a path that he must follow, and that path lies inevitably in front of him. Theseus understands the concept of moira when the King explains it to him. Theseus recognizes that moira does not mean that all events are predetermined or that he has complete free will. Rather, moira means that it is his duty to live in such a way that he fulfills his fate. He sees that he must act of his own accord and do his best to achieve our fate. At the same time, Theseus cannot escape our fate; the gods will not be cheated. Thus, the king must go to the god when he is called or else great harm will come to his people.

When he keeps his composure at the sacrifice, Theseus shows that he has the bearing of a king. Theseus believes that he is Poseidon’s son even though he is physically small. He decides that he must prove himself worthy and begins to challenge other boys and himself to perform dangerous feats. Theseus does not assume that his heritage makes him better than others. Rather, works to become more powerful than all of the other youths. Theseus sees that the simple fact that Poseidon is his father does not mean that he deserves to have such a father. Theseus must demonstrate that he is worthy of his heritage. The gods’ favor is not given freely; it must be earned. The novel suggests that the fate of one man is like that of a kingdom. Both must continually renew their pledge to the gods in order to maintain the goodwill of the powers that are beyond them. Theseus does his best to make his father proud of him as a son and this demonstrates that he also has what it takes to be a king, because he must be ready to do everything he can to make the gods look kindly upon his people.