In Greek mythology, Ariadne’s father was Minos, the Cretan king who ruled from Knossos.
Minos was the son of Zeus and Europa and became one of the central figures in the myths surrounding Crete. His children included Ariadne, Phaedra, Androgeus, and Deucalion in different traditions. His wife was Pasiphae, who became the mother of the Minotaur.
The myth connects Minos with the Labyrinth because he ordered Daedalus to construct it to contain the Minotaur. Minos also demanded tribute from Athens after the death of his son Androgeus, creating the conflict that brought Theseus to Crete.
Minos is sometimes confused with Rhadamanthus or Sarpedon, who were also sons of Zeus and Europa in Greek tradition. Later mythology made Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus judges of the dead.