How does theseus respond after he enters the labyrinth in "the adventures of theseus"? theseus leads the youths and the maidens a long way into the labyrinth, but he fears he will lose his grip on the silken thread and won't be able to escape. at first theseus is ready for battle, but as the group waits for the minotaur, theseus begins to lose his courage to fight the monster. when the monster approaches the group, theseus asks athena for because he knows he won't be able to protect everyone. theseus shouts loudly to get the minotaur's attention and then rushes toward him and thrusts his sword into the monster and kills him.