In Greek mythology, Ariadne was the daughter of Minos who helped Theseus escape Crete. She fell in love with him after he arrived among the Athenian youths sent to face the Minotaur.
Ariadne gave Theseus a means of finding his way back through the Labyrinth after killing the monster. Ancient and later versions differ over the exact form of the aid, but the thread is the most famous version. Theseus then left Crete with Ariadne, although he later abandoned her on the island of Naxos.
Ariadne’s story continues beyond the Labyrinth. In many traditions Dionysus found and married her, and her crown became the constellation Corona Borealis. She is therefore connected both with the Minotaur legend and with later star mythology.