The Labyrinth (Greek labyrinthos) was an ornate building designed and erected by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos, according to Greek mythology. Its purpose was to house the Minotaur, a half-man, half-bull beast that was eventually killed by the Athenian hero Theseus. Daedalus had constructed the Labyrinth with such dexterity that he could scarcely leave it after completing it. Ariadne aided Theseus by giving him a fatal thread, dubbed the “clew” or “clue,” which he used to wind his way back.