Ep 5. The Sword and the Scales
- January 1, 2019
- 25 min
The Sword and the Scales is the fifth episode of the second season of the popular television show Great Greek Myths. The episode focuses on the intertwined fates of two legendary Greek heroes, the warrior Theseus and the judge Aegeus.
The episode opens with Theseus, fresh from his victory over the monstrous Minotaur, arriving in Athens to confront his father, Aegeus. Aegeus, who has long been unaware of Theseus' existence, is overjoyed to discover that he has a son and welcomes him with open arms. However, their reunion is cut short when Aegeus receives word that King Minos of Crete is preparing to attack Athens in retaliation for the death of the Minotaur.
Theseus, eager to prove himself to his father, volunteers to lead the Athenian army against King Minos. Aegeus, concerned for his son's safety, presents him with a magical sword imbued with the power of the sea god Poseidon, which he believes will protect him in battle.
As Theseus leads the Athenians into battle, he discovers that his sword is no match for King Minos' superior weapons and tactics. In desperation, he turns to the goddess Athena for help, and she presents him with a new weapon: a set of scales that will allow him to weigh the merits of his actions and make sound judgments in battle.
Armed with the scales, Theseus is able to outmaneuver King Minos and win a decisive victory for Athens. However, his use of the scales proves to be a double-edged sword. As he becomes more and more enamored with his newfound power, he begins to make increasingly ruthless decisions, sacrificing innocent lives in the name of victory.
Aegeus, disturbed by his son's actions, confronts him and demands that he return the scales. Theseus, outraged, refuses and accuses his father of not understanding the true nature of war. The two men come to blows, with Aegeus ultimately emerging victorious.
As Theseus lies defeated, he realizes the error of his ways and returns the scales to Athena. She commends him for recognizing the danger of his own power and promises to continue guiding him on his journey. In the end, Theseus emerges from the battle a wiser, more humble hero, ready to face whatever challenges the future may hold.