In Greek mythology, seven Athenian maidens accompanied the youths sent to the Minotaur.
The Athenian tribute is commonly described as seven young men and seven young women. They were sent to Crete after Athens became subject to King Minos, whose son Androgeus had died in Athens. The young people were destined to enter the Labyrinth, where the Minotaur lived.
The exact details differ among ancient and later sources, including the interval between tribute payments and the way the victims were selected. Nevertheless, the paired number of seven youths and seven maidens is the familiar version used in modern retellings.
Theseus joined one tribute group voluntarily. With Ariadne’s help, he found his way through the Labyrinth and killed the Minotaur. His victory ended the story’s recurring human sacrifice in the traditional narrative.