King Minos of Crete was a powerful and influential figure in Greek mythology. One of the most well-known aspects of his reign was the annual payment he received from Athens, known as the tribute of seven youths and seven maidens.

This tribute was a punishment imposed by King Minos after his son, Androgeus, was killed in Athens. To avenge his son's death, Minos demanded that Athens send seven young men and seven young women to Crete every year as a sacrifice to the Minotaur, a monstrous creature that dwelled in the Labyrinth.

These unfortunate youths were chosen by lot and then sent to Crete, where they would be thrown into the Labyrinth to be devoured by the Minotaur. This annual payment was a source of fear and dread for the people of Athens, who lived in constant fear of losing their children to the cruel whims of King Minos.

However, the tribute came to an end when Theseus, a brave hero from Athens, volunteered to be one of the sacrificial youths. With the help of Princess Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos, Theseus was able to navigate the Labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur, freeing Athens from the tyrannical demands of King Minos.

Despite the end of the annual tribute, the story of King Minos and the tribute of seven youths and seven maidens remains a powerful and enduring tale in Greek mythology. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of bravery and heroism in the face of tyranny.

In conclusion, King Minos of Crete received the annual payment of seven youths and seven maidens from Athens as a tribute to avenge the death of his son. This dark chapter in Greek mythology was brought to an end by the courage and cunning of Theseus, who defeated the Minotaur and freed Athens from the oppressive demands of King Minos.

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