The King Must Die
The King Must Die
Book Brief
338
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Greece • Mythical
1958
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The King Must Die by Mary Renault presents the life of Theseus, an ancient Greek hero, who recounts his youthful adventures, including his rise to power in Athens and his harrowing experiences as a sacrificial tribute in Crete's bull-dancing ceremonies, blending historical realism with mythic elements to explore his growth, battles, and triumphs. Ritualistic sacrifice is depicted.
Adventurous
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Dark
Reviews & Readership
11,438 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mary Renault's The King Must Die captivates readers with its vivid portrayal of Ancient Greece and a nuanced reimagining of the myth of Theseus. Praised for historical detail and character depth, some find its pacing uneven. While some critics appreciate its lush descriptions, others desire more action. Overall, it's a compelling read for historical fiction fans.
Who Should Read The King Must Die?
Readers who enjoy richly detailed historical novels with mythological elements will appreciate Mary Renault's The King Must Die. Fans of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller or Circe will find this retelling of Theseus's legend compelling for its depth and focus on ancient Greek culture.
11,438 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The King Must Die by Mary Renault, published in 1958, is known for its detailed reconstruction of ancient Greek society, giving readers a vivid picture of the historical context of Theseus' myth.
The novel is notable for its focus on psychological and character development, which was a departure from the standard heroic portrayal in mythological retellings at the time.
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Renault's portrayal of Theseus in The King Must Die is often credited with influencing later interpretations of the character in modern literature and media.
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338
Novel • Fiction
Ancient Greece • Mythical
1958
Adult
18+ years
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