In the novel The King Must Die, by Mary Renault takes place in ancient Greece, about 1450 B.C. The novel covers many areas of ancient Greece, from Troizen to Eleusis to Athens to Crete. It is about a boy named Theseus; he talks about his first twenty years of his life. He tells the story from his point of view. Theseus had many journeys throughout the book. He had Gods that had influences him. He was a good leader throughout his journey and throughout the story. Theseus was a great hero that tried to help many of the people out and he would try to do the right things in the right way. During the great Gods they had an influence on people in their life and actions. Poseidon, the Greek God of the sea had a great influence on many people through their life. Theseus was a young boy and he thought Poseidon was his father. Poseidon had a great influence on Theseus. Theseus thinks that justice must be carried out and Poseidon tells him the right things to do. In his journeys, he kills many people and disappoints many customs, but Theseus never does anything with no good reason. For example, Theseus starts his journey by going to Eleusis. Theseus goes there because the king must die. The king’s name is Kerkyon. “We faced each other on the wrestling ground; the queen stood up, with the gong stick in her hand. After that I …” (Renault 70.) After everything Theseus kills him and becomes Kerkyon himself. Theseus gives the men some power by changing the rules. The queen fears his actions and tries to have Theseus killed but he informs her that he will continue worshiping Mother Dia who is the supreme deity. Theseus contemplates about his decisions, and when he has no idea on what to do he summons Poseidon for help. Poseidon advises him that he must go to Crete, and so Theseus proceeds. That is how Poseidon was a great influence on Theseus.
