Theseus was a great Athenian mythological hero. In one chivalric tale about his life, he was a guest at the wedding of Pirithous, king of the Lapiths. The centaurs, relatives of the bride, also came to the feast; they became intoxicated and seized the women in attendance. Here Theseus draws his sword in an attempt to rescue the captive bride and drive the centaurs away, a feat he ultimately accomplished.