Ariane wants her father to become King of Crete and takes the necessary steps to achieve that. She seduces the sea God Poseidon to win him over to her side. Indeed, she manages to have her father Minos crowned King. However, Poseidon expects something in return: a sacrifice. When that sacrifice is not made, Poseidon retaliates.
Ariane has a well-developed sense of justice and becomes a State Councilor at the court of her father, King Minos. She writes a code of law that guarantees equality between men and women, and Crete becomes widely known for its just legal system.
En passant, a whole series of pre-Greek myths are told, against the background of the Trojan war and the natural disaster on the island of Thera.
Ariane is introduced to the divine Dionysus, who falls head over heels in love with her and wants to make her his wife. Ariane initially prefers her career at her father's court, keeping the God of Wine at bay for the time being.
Meanwhile, Minos struggles with questions about the meaning of existence and the disadvantages associated with an exceptionally long life.
Fate strikes hard at the end of the story. Still, the novel has a hopeful ending.
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