A Hero from the Past: Theseus and the Minotaur

Introduction: A Story from Ancient Greece

Theseus and the Minotaur is a short and exciting book for young readers. The story is from an old Greek myth. Greek myths are stories from long ago. They are about strong heroes, gods, kings, and monsters. In this story, the hero is a young man. His name is Theseus. He is clever and brave. He wants to help his people. He also wants to find his father.

The book is adapted by Ken Beatty for Penguin Readers. It is for Level 1, so it is great for CEFR A1 students. You can read and enjoy this story easily. Let's learn more about this interesting book.

Who Is Theseus?

Theseus is a young man. He lives with his mother. One day, his mother tells him about his father. His father is King Aegeus of Athens. Aegeus is a strong and important king. But Theseus does not know him yet. His mother tells him to move a big rock. Under the rock, he finds a sword. This sword is from his father. It is very special. Theseus is happy and excited. Now he knows who his father is!

Theseus wants to meet his father. So he goes on a long trip to Athens.

A Problem in Athens

In Athens, Theseus meets King Aegeus. The king is very happy to see him. But there is a problem in the city. Long ago, Athens fought a war with Crete. Crete is an island. The king of Crete is King Minos. In the war, the Athenians killed King Minos’s son. Now, every year, Athens must send fourteen young people to Crete. These young people go to a monster. The monster is the Minotaur. He is half-man and half-bull. He lives in a big, dark maze. Nobody can come out of the maze.

This makes King Aegeus very sad. It also makes the people of Athens afraid.

Theseus Makes a Promise

Theseus is brave. He wants to help his people. He tells the king, “I will go to Crete. I will fight the Minotaur. I will kill him.”

The king is worried. He does not want his son to die. But Theseus is sure. He is not afraid. He has a plan. He also makes a promise: “If I come back alive, I will put white sails on the boat. Then you will know I am safe.”

The king agrees. Theseus gets on the boat with the other young people. They go to Crete.

Meeting Ariadne

In Crete, Theseus meets King Minos and his daughter. Her name is Ariadne. Ariadne sees Theseus. She likes him very much. She wants to help him. Ariadne gives Theseus two things: a knife and a ball of string.

The knife is to kill the Minotaur. The string is to find the way back. Theseus is very thankful. Ariadne wants something too. She says, “Take me to Athens. Marry me.” Theseus says yes.

Now he is ready to go into the maze.

Inside the Maze

The maze is big. It is dark and scary. Theseus walks inside. He uses the string. He ties it to the door and holds it in his hand. Then he walks slowly.

Suddenly, the Minotaur is there! It is big. It has the head of a bull and the body of a man. It is very strong. But Theseus is strong too. They fight. It is a hard fight. But Theseus uses the knife. He kills the Minotaur!

Now he must get out of the maze. He follows the string. It shows him the way. He is safe.

The Journey Back

Theseus goes back to the ship. He takes Ariadne with him. They leave Crete. On the way home, they stop at an island. The island is called Naxos.

Here, something strange happens. Theseus leaves Ariadne on the island. We don’t know why. Ariadne is very angry. She says, “You will be very unhappy.”

Then Theseus and his friends go back to Athens.

A Sad Ending

Theseus is tired. He is thinking about the fight. He is thinking about Ariadne. But he forgets something. He forgets to change the sails on the boat. The sails are still black.

King Aegeus waits at the port. He looks at the sea. He sees the black sails. He thinks his son is dead. He is very, very sad. He jumps into the sea and dies.

When Theseus gets back, he sees what happened. He is very sad too. He is now the new king. But he is not happy. He misses his father. He also thinks about Ariadne.

The Sea Has a Name

Today, the sea near Greece is called the Aegean Sea. People say it is named after King Aegeus. This is from the story of Theseus. It is a very old story, but many people still know it.

Why Read This Book?

Theseus and the Minotaur is a fun and simple book. It is great for CEFR A1 learners. Here are some reasons to read it:

• It is short and easy to understand.
• It has many interesting characters.
• The story is exciting and full of action.
• It helps you learn about old myths.
• It teaches us about bravery, promises, and mistakes.

This book also helps you learn new English words. You can learn about people, feelings, and places. It is a great book for young readers and English learners.

Vocabulary from the Story

Here are some important words from the book:

Word	Meaning
Maze	A place with many confusing paths
Sword	A long weapon with a sharp edge
Sails	Big cloths on a boat that catch the wind
Monster	A big, scary creature
Brave	Not afraid
Island	Land with water all around it
Promise	To say you will do something

You can use these words when you talk or write about the story.

Final Thoughts

Theseus and the Minotaur is more than just an old myth. It is a story about being brave. It is a story about helping others. It is also a story about mistakes and sadness. Theseus tries to do the right thing, but life is not always easy.

If you like heroes, monsters, and adventure, this book is perfect for you. It is easy to read, and it helps you learn English. So open the book and join Theseus on his journey!

Ken Beatty TESOL Professor, Writer, and Consultant 

Dr. Ken Beatty: A Global Voice in English Language Learning and Educational Innovation

Exploring the Work, Vision, and Legacy of One of ELT's Most Influential Authors

Introduction: A Lifelong Passion for Language and Learning

Dr. Ken Beatty is a name that resonates across the global English Language Teaching (ELT) community. With more than 100 textbooks and readers to his name, and decades of experience as an educator, researcher, and speaker, Beatty is not just a prolific author—he is a pioneer. His passion for language education, technology integration, and curriculum innovation has made him a key figure in shaping how English is taught and learned around the world.

Based in Canada, Dr. Beatty is an ELT author and educator whose work is used in classrooms across more than 70 countries. His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with major publishers such as Pearson, and he is frequently invited to speak at global conferences. He is also a strong advocate for online and blended learning, helping to modernize how educators approach teaching English in the 21st century.

Academic Foundations: Building the Pedagogical Framework

Ken Beatty’s academic background forms the solid bedrock of his professional work. He holds a PhD in Curriculum Studies from the University of Hong Kong, an MA in Applied Linguistics, and a BA in English Literature. His academic achievements are not only impressive but are also deeply relevant to the work he continues to do in ELT.

Throughout his doctoral research, Dr. Beatty focused on the intersection between education and technology—a theme that would later become central to his career. His scholarly work on curriculum development is guided by both pedagogical theory and real-world classroom experience, making his approach both principled and practical.

A Prolific Author: Shaping the Way the World Learns English

Dr. Beatty’s influence on the ELT world is perhaps most visible through his extensive writing. He has authored and co-authored more than 100 English language textbooks and graded readers, many of which are published by Pearson, one of the world's largest educational publishers. These include popular titles like Learning English for Academic Purposes, Richmond Readers, and various Pearson English series.

His books cover a wide range of levels and learner profiles, from young learners to university students and adults. Beatty’s materials are known for their engaging content, clear structure, and consistent integration of real-world topics that prepare students not just for exams but for global communication.

One of the distinguishing features of his textbooks is the emphasis on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and digital literacy—skills that go far beyond traditional grammar and vocabulary. For Dr. Beatty, language learning is not just about accuracy, but about equipping students to function effectively in a multilingual, multicultural world.

Digital Learning and Innovation: A Champion of Educational Technology

Dr. Beatty has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to educational technology. At a time when many educators were hesitant to embrace digital tools, he was already exploring how online platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and multimedia resources could enhance English teaching and learning.

His early involvement in e-learning made him a valuable contributor to Pearson’s digital projects, including online English language courses and blended learning materials. His expertise in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has helped institutions worldwide adapt to changing educational environments—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote learning became a necessity.

In addition to his writing, Dr. Beatty is a sought-after speaker on topics such as artificial intelligence in education, mobile learning, and digital assessment. His presentations at international conferences blend academic insight with practical strategies, offering educators tools they can use immediately in their classrooms.

A Global Educator: Teaching and Training Around the World

Dr. Beatty’s career has been truly international. He has taught in more than 30 countries and has worked closely with educational institutions in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. His global perspective allows him to create materials that are culturally sensitive and globally relevant.

Whether teaching at universities, training teachers, or developing curriculum, Dr. Beatty always prioritizes student engagement and inclusivity. He believes in empowering learners to take control of their own education—a philosophy reflected in the design of his student-centered learning materials.

Dr. Beatty has also served as an associate professor at institutions such as Anaheim University, where he developed and delivered online TESOL courses for teacher trainees from across the globe. His mentorship has helped shape the careers of thousands of educators.

Key Contributions and Recognitions

Some of Dr. Beatty’s most notable achievements include:

• Textbook Authorship: Over 100 published works, many used as core materials in ELT classrooms worldwide.
• Technology Integration: Early adoption and advocacy for digital tools and blended learning environments.
• Professional Development: Frequent keynote speaker and workshop facilitator at global ELT events.
• Academic Research: Doctoral work focused on curriculum and pedagogy in a digital age.
• Global Influence: Teaching, training, and consulting in more than 30 countries.

In recognition of his impact on the ELT world, Dr. Beatty is frequently invited to speak at events hosted by TESOL International, IATEFL, and other prestigious language teaching organizations.

Thought Leadership and Continued Impact

Dr. Beatty continues to be a thought leader in the field of ELT. His website kenbeatty.ca serves as a hub for educators seeking insights on curriculum design, technology in education, and best practices in language teaching. His LinkedIn profile also reflects his professional journey and the many projects he remains actively involved in.

His blog posts and public lectures often focus on the future of ELT—discussing how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and evolving communication styles are reshaping how English will be taught and used. He challenges educators to be flexible, innovative, and compassionate in their teaching, especially in times of rapid change.

Conclusion: Inspiring the Next Generation of Educators

Dr. Ken Beatty’s contribution to the field of English language education is both broad and deep. His commitment to high-quality teaching materials, his innovative use of technology, and his dedication to global learning communities make him a central figure in modern ELT.

For educators, curriculum developers, and anyone passionate about language learning, Dr. Beatty’s work offers inspiration and direction. He reminds us that teaching English is not just about language—it’s about connection, culture, creativity, and the future.

As the world continues to evolve, voices like Dr. Ken Beatty’s ensure that English education remains relevant, inclusive, and empowering for learners everywhere.