The Greek hero Theseus defeated the Minotaur in Crete. This creature, a half-man and half-bull, was born from the union of Pasiphae and a bull. The Minotaur was kept in the Labyrinth designed by Daedalus, where it devoured Athenian youths. Theseus's victory over the Minotaur represents the triumph of human intelligence over savage instincts and the overcoming of great challenges.